The Brazilian sugarcane and ethanol industries produce lot of waste which has potential for energy production. Anaerobic digestion (AD) can be effectively utilized for producing biogas from these wastes. During the AD process, huge volumes of digestate are produced with some being employed in fertilizer application whilst large volumes are mostly stored in uncovered tanks. This result in emission of residual methane and loss of energy which can be recovered through post- digestion approaches. To analyse optimal utilization of this digestate and enhanced biogas production, co- digestion of post- digestate from a continuously stirred reactor (CSTR) performing co-digestion of sugarcane waste from Brazil (Vinasse, filter cake and straw) with addition of different glycerol concentrations were studied. The addition of glycerol characterised by its biodegradability and high organic content makes it a suitable substrate to enhance biogas production. A biomethane potential was assessed when the digestate was co-digested with 15% and 25% CODg/L of glycerol. The batch test lasted for 39 days. The results demonstrated that, co-digestion of digestate with glycerol has the potential of increasing cumulative methane and biogas yield with 25% addition producing the highest methane and biogas yield (318 Nml/gCOD and 196 Nml/gCOD) which was approximately 6 times higher compared to mono-digestion of the digestate. Anaerobic co-digestion of digestate and glycerol was examined in two lab scale reactors (CSTR) at mesophilic conditions (35oC) and were run for 90 days. The reactor (R1) performing co-digestion increased methane and biogas production by 300% and 170% when glycerol concentrations of 15% and 25% of influent COD were added, respectively. Moreover, there was a decrease in CH4 yield when the reactors were continuously fed with 15% and 25% CODg/L of glycerol. This was an indication that, microorganisms easily digested glycerol addition at the early stages. Glycerol addition (50% CODg/L) resulted in a decrease in CH4 and biogas production.  This result shows, CH4 yields in the post-digester can be enhanced with glycerol addition if it does not exceed a limiting of 50% of the organic loading rates of the feed.

With the rise in energy consumption and usage by an exploding human population and higher quality of life, it is time to switch to renewable energy sources that have lower impacts on the natural world. Commercial scale wind power has seen tremendous growth in the last two decades and is expected to continue growing. But small-scale wind power still has tremendous potential in creating energy efficient homes micro-grid systems. Through this work, we explore the potential of micro VAWTs installed on highway medians to capture wind energy from moving vehicles. There are 2 main questions intended to be addressed here, namely: Is energy production from vehicular wake losses significant and if significant, how does the produced energy stand in comparison to a household’s consumption as well as an LED streetlight. In order to proceed with this work, we have taken the reference wind measurements performed on highway medians in Malaysia from literature. The right turbine choice for this application has also been contemplated through the literature review and chosen to be a cross-flow VAWT model with experimental results.Using the power curve of the turbine and the extracted wind speed measurements, energy production is estimated and compared to the electricity consumption of a suburban home in Malaysia. Further on, other analyses are performed to better understand the energy production potential of such applications and estimated for varying size in turbine, position of turbine with respect to ground, and the energy generation per kilometer of highway length.

Analyzing climate changes by loess sediment deposits formed after the last glacial maximum gives us information about how the environment was dynamically before humans physically could record climate changes. Sampling and analyzing loess from different places in the world give us a more reliable view of when events and changes in climate took place. Loess is a last step eolian transported, fine grained sediment and can be a good record as a Quaternary climate archive (Muhs 2013; Stevens et al. 2020). Loess-paleosol sequences can be used as a relative record for climate change. The paleosols in the sequence corresponds to soil which can indicate warmer interglacial/interstadial periods when chemical weathering was active at site. Loess in these sequences reflects on cold and dry climate during glacial periods (Buggle et al. 2008; Muhs 2013). By analyzing geochemical composition of bulk-samples from chosen site one can get information about if paleosols or loess deposits are present at certain depths of profile. Also, if a glacial or interglacial period was present then (Buggle et al. 2011; Johansson 2017). In this study X-ray fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), will be used to analyze elemental composition of loess. This to see how soluble and mobile elements relate to immobile and non-soluble ones. This can indirectly tell how paleosols and loess are distributed over the site and if shifts attempt by depth. The samples of loess in this study were taken from north-western France at a site called Primel-Tregastel. Soil weathering indexes will be used in this study to calculate weathering intensities for deposit. Na/Al-based indices called CIA, CIW, CPA, PIA, Index B and Sr-based ratios Ba/Sr and Rb/Sr was used (Buggle et al. 2011). The purpose of the study is to see if weathering has been active at site. And if, to reconstruct at which depths and to make a paleoclimatic interpretation of the site. Na/Al-based indices CIA, CIW, CPA, PIA and Index B shows indications of active weathering at site. Sr-based ratios Ba/Sr and Rb/Sr do also show same indications but with more dramatically variations. The content of mobile and immobile elements does also follow the principle that when mobile elements decrease in percentage, immobile elements get enriched in bulk-sample. The trends shown are a long time of cold climate due to low weathering intensities followed by one warmer and more humid period. Increasing weathering intensities, indicating an interglacial/interstadial period happens as a first development. Continuously a decrease happens in weathering intensity which would indicate a start of a colder period. Topmost layer has been improved and re-worked by human activity and will be misleading to use in a geochemical analysis and paleoenvironmental interpretation. / Att analysera klimatförändringar genom lössjordar formade efter senaste glaciala maximumet ger oss information om hur miljön såg ut dynamiskt innan människan hade möjligheten att mäta klimatvariationer. Genom analys och provtagning av lössjordar från olika platser i världen ger oss en mer trovärdig bild över när händelser och förändringar i klimat skedde. Lössjord är ett slutligen vindtransporterad, finkornigt sediment som även fungerar bra som register för Kvartära klimatarkiv (Muhs 2013; Stevens et al. 2020). Loess-paleosol sekvenser kan användas som ett relativt register för klimatförändringar. Paleosolerna i sekvensen motsvarar jord som indikerar varmare interglaciala/interstadiala perioder när kemisk vittring kan ha varit aktiv. Lössavlagringar i sekvensen reflekterar kallare och torrare klimat under glaciala istider (Buggle et al. 2008; Muhs 2013). Genom att analysera geokemiskt innehåll av prover från lokal kan man få fram information om paleosoler eller lössavlagringar finns vid visst djup i profilen. Indirekt även om en glacial eller interglacial period pågick då (Buggle et al. 2011; Johansson 2017). I den här studien används X-ray fluorescens Spektroskopi (XRF) för att analysera geokemiskt innehåll av lössjord. Detta för att se hur lösliga och mobila element är relaterade till icke-mobila och icke-lösliga element. Det kan indirekt peka på hur paleosoler och löss är fördelat över en lokal och visa om skillnader finns vid olika djup. Proverna i denna studie är tagna från nord-västra Frankrike vid en lokal som heter Primel Trégastel. Jord vittrings index kommer att användas i studien för att beräkna vittringsintensiteter för avlagringen. Na/Al-baserade index som heter CIA, CIW, CPA, PIA och Index B och Sr-baserade förhållanden Ba/Sr och Rb/Sr kommer användas (Buggle et al. 2011). Syftet med studien är att se om vittring har skett vid lokalen. Och om vittring påvisas, kunna rekonstruera vid vilka djup och slutligen göra en paleoklimatisk tolkning över lokal. Na/Al-baserade index CIA, CIW, CPA, PIA och Index B visar indikationer av vittring som varit aktiv vid studerad lokal. Sr-baserade förhållanden Ba/Sr och Rb/Sr visar samma indikation men med mer dramatiska variationer. Innehållet av mobila och icke-mobila element följer även principen om att när mobila element minskar i procent så ökar dom icke-mobila elementen. Trenderna som visas är en lång tid av kallt klimat med låg vittringsintensitet som följs av en varmare och fuktigare period med högre vittringsintensitet. Utvecklingen av denna ökande vittringsintensitet indikerar en pågående interglacial/interstadial period. Fortsättningsvis sker en minskning i vittringsintensitet vilket påvisar en början av en kallare period. Det översta lagret i lokalen har bevisats blivit förändrat av mänsklig aktivitet och kan var missvisande i en geokemisk analys och paleoklimatologisk tolkning.

When the glacier ice melts can the water accumulate in topographic depressions to form supraglacial lakes. These evolve during the melting seasons and can be seen clearly by satellite image on the northeastern part of Greenland. These lakes are known to rapidly drain through fracture propagation. The problem arises when the water is transported down and along the bedrock, which can contribute to glacial uplift and ice-sheet acceleration. The glacier ice which floats on water is displaced further out where calving occur which results in rising sea levels. In this independent project, drainage patterns are analyzed to investigate the impact and relationship between lakes that fractures and drains. Satellite images was studied by comparing the number of lakes during a melting period in different time intervals. Images was processed with different analysis tools in ArcMap 10.7.1 in order to create maps of drained lakes. The results display a connection between where and when lakes disappear. Two clear examples are observed where nearby lakes are completely drained over one day, which strengthens the evidence of impact. Knowledge of the hydrological processes of earth’s glaciers is of outmost importance in order to predict and prepare for the consequences of global warming. The results of this project contribute to an increased understanding of lake drainage relationship and can be applied in further research.

This research paper represents an investigation of blockchain applicability in the Swedish energy market. The paper also attempts to explore the numerous claims and benefits surrounding this technology. Overall, the blockchain platform presents an innovative opportunity for energy to be bought and sold on the market in a new way that is providing consumers with greater efficiency and control over their energy sources. The platform is also set to integrate different types of data such as energy prices, usage, marginal costs, legal compliances etc., with the purpose of providing a better service than the platforms that exist today. To investigate these claims, firstly, the blockchain technology, its purpose, and function is explained. Secondly, the paper explores relationship and application in the energy market. Existing literature has been examined in order to provide a foundation when it comes to technological application. Lastly, the Swedish energy market has been considered and if the technology would make a difference. The interviews with experts have been conducted to get an inside look into the actual reality of this technology. Overall, the experts did not have a strong word to give about the possible application of the technology in the Swedish energy market. The technology does have potential but it is simply in too early stages of development and the obstacles are more significant than the previously promised benefits.

The water-energy-food nexus approach, where closely-connected water, energy and food sectors and their interlinkages are considered together, can be useful to fully understand and address impediments to these sectors’ security and their sustainable development. This study is a review of the current status of the water-energy-food nexus in India, main interlinkages and main challenges to the sustainable development of the nexus. One of the main interlinkages is irrigation in the water-food connection, as the majority of water withdrawn in India is used for agriculture. The water-energy interlinkages are crucial not only in the context of hydropower generation, but also due to the large amounts of water being used for cooling of fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. The pressure on water resources is exacerbated by rainfall reductions in India caused by climate change. Social and economic factors, such as population growth, change in food habits, economic growth and technological advances, further increase the demand for water, energy and food. This all poses significant challenges related to water availability and, as a result, water, food and energy security in India.

Growing demand for coffee and cocoa is a relevant driver of tree cover loss in tropical countries. Voluntary sustainability certification schemes have been promoted over the last decades as a system to regulate sustainable production. The effectiveness of this method to halt tree cover loss and promote the restoration of tree cover in cocoa and coffee agroforestry systems is disputed and relies on the different parameters and criteria for certification. For voluntary sustainability certification systems to effectively contribute to the protection of tropical ecosystems, the costs and benefits of certification need to be weighed carefully. This research explores the relationship between tree cover loss and intensification of coffee and cocoa production in major producing countries and explores existing responses in the field of sustainability certification and the impact on the livelihoods and capital base of producers.

With more and more countries transforming their energy focus onto renewable energy, the growth of wind energy is at its all-time high. Despite being a relatively new technology, offshore wind has thrived rapidly in the past decade. Sweden has been incorporating offshore wind energy into marine spatial planning (MSP) and national interest in energy production with a view to realizing the national goals of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2040 and net zero emissions by 2045. The goal of this study is to identify locations that are suitable for harvesting wind energy resources in nearshore sea areas of Sweden, with the consideration of social, environmental, economic, and technical criteria. The spatial analysis was performed by the combination of Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was the MCDA method adopted, where the criteria, including 11 constraints and 5 factors, were identified and examined by processes of weighted linear overlay (WLC) and Boolean overlay respectively. Then, the suitability index (SI) was computed and a suitability map, showing 4 classes of suitability, was generated.The results show that less than half of the Swedish coastal sea areas are highly or fairly suitable for offshore wind power development, while the rest was unsuitable. The unsuitable areas were mainly a consequence of the constraints of protected areas and military-related claims. The results were also compared to the areas indicated in the municipal plans for wind power, the national interest for wind energy production, as well as the existing and rejected wind turbines. This indicated that the study results correspond well with them and that the space for offshore wind energy is still plentiful despite the large exclusion area. The applied methodology and results of this study can be a stepping stone to planning authorities and developers in the planning decision-making process.

No description available.

To mitigate climate change and to achieve global carbon neutrality, the expansion of renewable energy sources is of paramount importance. In this context, photovoltaics (PV) are widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies to lead the transformation towards decarbonized energy systems. However, the manufacturing of PV systems is associated with initial greenhouse gas emissions linked to the procurement of PV components. Therefore, current research focuses on minimizing initial emissions to improve the overall environmental performance of PV systems. Since previous research suggests that conventional aluminum module frames contain a significant amount of embodied carbon, this study investigates a possible material substitution with wood as alternative frame material to lower the overall carbon footprint of PV modules.  To test the technical feasibility of PV modules with wooden frames, a proof of concept (POC) is conducted using wood types that exhibit necessary characteristics regarding their mechanical properties and durability. Guided by the finite element method and preliminary testing, a novel frame design is conceived, and PV modules with wooden frames are realized. The prototypes are put to extensive testing, in which the mechanical stability is examined, and weathering effects are investigated in an outdoor installation. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is carried out to quantify potential benefits of wooden compared to aluminum frames regarding their global warming potential and other environmental impact categories. Lastly, this study compares the economic performance of wooden PV module frames with aluminum frames and considers possible optimizations in the value chain of wooden frames. POC results show that PV modules with wooden frames - in line with industrial standards - are feasible, yet mechanical stability and durability vary depending on the type of wood and overall design. LCA results suggest that wooden frames exhibit invariably better environmental performance in all impact categories although a reduced module lifetime may impair the overall life cycle performance. In regard to cost efficiency, wooden frames are more costly than aluminum frames, yet financial incentives or subsidies may make low-carbon materials more competitive in the future. It can be concluded that wooden PV module frames may be a promising alternative to standard aluminum frames provided that the overall lifetime is identical. Thus, additional studies are required to analyze the long-term performance and to identify areas of application for modules with wooden frames, for instance in the building-integrated PV sector. Lastly, further research is needed to explore additional utilizations of wood in PV systems such as in ground and roof mounting structures.