Methods of Ensuring Energy Security with the Use of Hard Coal—The Case of Poland

In this article, the authors present methods based on hard coal that may ensure energy security for European Union countries. The research was carried out based on the example of Poland. The main reason for which coal is being gradually withdrawn from the energy mixes in EU countries is its negative impact on the natural environment and the health of citizens and economic factors related to domestic fuel production. The authors propose the creation of energy–chemical clusters as a solution to these problems. It is assumed that the clusters would operate following the principles of the circular economy. We also propose methods for the optimization of the production and transport costs within the cluster. Then, we conduct profitability analysis of the proposed waste management methods. At the level of the designated cluster, using network algorithms enabled us to reduce the transport costs by at least 50%. It is possible to obtain rare earth elements (REEs) worth USD 22,970 from 1 Mg of ash. At the level of the analyzed cluster, this leads to an annual profit of USD 3.5 billion. The profit related to algae production at the cluster level is approximately USD 2.5 bn.

Can hydrogen enriched biogas be used as domestic fuel? - Part II: Pollutants Emission from Combustion of Biogas/H2/air Fuel Mixture

Biogas is considered a sustainable source of energy which is largely untapped owing to its inherent weaknesses such as low thermal performance and potentially harmful emissions. Its thermal performance and emission characteristics can be enhanced through the technique of enriching with higher grade fuel. In this research study, biogas enriched with hydrogen was tested for its emission characteristics. A synthetic biogas identified as BG60 (60% CH4 and 40% CO2) enriched with 20% hydrogen (80%BG60-20%H2) was used for the test. Experiments were carried out for combustion of the enriched gas for a wide range of Reynolds numbers and equivalence ratios. The results indicate that the enriched fuel emits less CO and NOx than commonly used domestic fuel LPG. It also has a better thermal and emission performance than BG60. The low pollutant emissions compared with LPG, use of renewable feedstock for biogas production, and competitive cost may make the blended 80%BG60-20%H2 an attractive sustainable alternative domestic fuel choice for environmentally conscious urban dwellers of modern cities.

Performance of Some Biocoal Briquettes Produced from Mixture of Sawdust and varying Nigeria Coals as Composite Domestic Fuel

Performance evaluation of biocoal briquettes from three different coal mines in Nigeria mixed with sawdust as composite domestic fuel was carried out. Samples of coals collected from Owukpa, Okpara, and Onyeama mines were pulverized and blended with sawdust at various constituent ratios of coal/sawdust of 0.0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50 and 100/0.0. Cassava starch was used as binding material while calcium hydroxide was used for desulphurization. Tests carried out included proximate analyses, ultimate analyses, and performance analyses. Results showed that fixed carbon in all the coal samples ranges from the highest fixed carbon of 63.81% for Okpara (OK) to the lowest of 62.87% for Owukpa (OP70/30) while sawdust was 21.03%. The Onyeama Coal has 1.25% ash content compares with 5% for Owukpa. Onyeama coal contains the highest volatile matters of 29.61% while Owukpa biocoal briquette (OP50/50) has the highest percentage heat utilization of 88.61 and lowest specific fuel consumption of 0.31kg/kg. Onyeama coal (ON90/10) has the highest calorific value of 33.25 MJ/kg. The addition of sawdust in the biocoal briquettes resulted in lower volatile matter, low hydrogen, high percentage heat utilized and low specific fuel consumption.Keywords- Biocoal briquette, sawdust, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, fixed carbon

Argentina's YPF avoids default but not further pain

Significance In January YPF announced a plan to restructure its USD6.2bn foreign debt which, if successful, would represent the largest deal of its kind by an Argentine company. Reportedly the company improved its offer four times before reaching agreement on the 2021 bond. Impacts The recent replacement of YPF’s president will renew concerns over possible political interference in the company. Vaca Muerta’s future may be further complicated by global trends towards renewables. Pressure to keep domestic fuel prices in check will further damage YPF’s fragile finances.

Comprehensive organic emission profiles, secondary organic aerosol production potential, and OH reactivity of domestic fuel combustion in Delhi, India

This study examines the volatility distribution of organic emissions from solid fuel combustion sources from Delhi, India, and examines the chemical drivers of the OH reactivity and the secondary organic aerosol production potential.