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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Bioenergy Technologies in Long-Run Climate Change Mitigation: Results from the EMF-33 Study

Bioenergy is expected to play an important role in long-run climate change mitigation strategies as highlighted by many integrated assessment model (IAM) scenarios. These scenarios, however, also show a very wide range of results, with uncertainty about bioenergy conversion technology deployment and biomass feedstock supply. To date, the underlying differences in model assumptions and parameters for the range of results have not been conveyed. Here we explore the models and results of the 33rd study of the Stanford Energy Modeling Forum to elucidate and explore bioenergy technology specifications and constraints that underlie projected bioenergy outcomes. We first develop and report consistent bioenergy technology characterizations and modeling details. We evaluate the bioenergy technology specifications through a series of analyses—comparison with the literature, model intercomparison, and an assessment of bioenergy technology projected deployments. We find that bioenergy technology coverage and characterization varies substantially across models, spanning different conversion routes, carbon capture and storage opportunities, and technology deployment constraints. Still, the range of technology specification assumptions is largely in line with bottom-up engineering estimates. We then find that variation in bioenergy deployment across models cannot be understood from technology costs alone. Important additional determinants include biomass feedstock costs, the availability and costs of alternative mitigation options in and across end-uses, the availability of carbon dioxide removal possibilities, the speed with which large scale changes in the makeup of energy conversion facilities and integration can take place, and the relative demand for different energy services.

bioenergy↗
DOE OSTI2018

Global energy sector emission reductions and bioenergy use: overview of the bioenergy demand phase of the EMF-33 model comparison

We present an overview of results from 11 integrated assessment models (IAMs) that participated in the 33rd study of the Stanford Energy Modeling Forum (EMF-33) on the viability of large-scale deployment of bioenergy for achieving long-run climate goals. The study explores future bioenergy use across models under harmonized scenarios for future climate policies, availability of bioenergy technologies, and constraints on biomass supply. This paper provides a more transparent description of IAMs that span a broad range of assumptions regarding model structures, energy sectors, and bioenergy conversion chains. Without emission constraints, we find vastly different CO 2 emission and bioenergy deployment patterns across models due to differences in competition with fossil fuels, the possibility to produce large-scale bio-liquids, and the flexibility of energy systems. Imposing increasingly stringent carbon budgets mostly increases bioenergy use. A diverse set of available bioenergy technology portfolios provides flexibility to allocate bioenergy to supply different final energy as well as remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by combining bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS). Sector and regional bioenergy allocation varies dramatically across models mainly due to bioenergy technology availability and costs, final energy patterns, and availability of alternative decarbonization options. Although much bioenergy is used in combination with CCS, BECCS is not necessarily the driver of bioenergy use. We find that the flexibility to use biomass feedstocks in different energy sub-sectors makes large-scale bioenergy deployment a robust strategy in mitigation scenarios that is surprisingly insensitive with respect to reduced technology availability. However, the achievability of stringent carbon budgets and associated carbon prices is sensitive. Constraints on biomass feedstock supply increase the carbon price less significantly than excluding BECCS because carbon removals are still realized and valued. Incremental sensitivity tests find that delayed readiness of bioenergy technologies until 2050 is more important than potentially higher investment costs.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data for The Stem Cell-Type Transcriptome of Bioenergy Sorghum Reveals the Spatial Regulation of Secondary Cell Wall Networks

Bioenergy sorghum is a low-input, drought-resilient, deep-rooting annual crop that has high biomass yield potential enabling the sustainable production of biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts. Bioenergy sorghum’s 4-5 m stems account for ~80% of the harvested biomass. Stems accumulate high levels of sucrose that could be used to synthesize bioethanol and useful biopolymers if information about stem cell-type gene expression and regulation was available to enable engineering. To obtain this information, Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate and collect transcriptome profiles from five major cell types that are present in stems of the sweet sorghum Wray. Transcriptome analysis identified genes with cell-type specific and cell-preferred expression patterns that reflect the distinct metabolic, transport, and regulatory functions of each cell type. Analysis of cell-type specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) revealed that unique TF families contribute to distinct regulatory landscapes, where regulation is organized through various modes and identifiable network motifs. Cell-specific transcriptome data was combined with a stem developmental transcriptome dataset to identify the GRN that differentially activates the secondary cell wall (SCW) formation in stem xylem sclerenchyma and epidermal cells. The cell-type transcriptomic dataset provides a valuable source of information about the function of sorghum stem cell types and GRNs that will enable the engineering of bioenergy sorghum stems.

Software↗
DOE OSTI2019

Positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies

The production of short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) such as poplars and willows is a promising component of global bioenergy and phytotechnology portfolios. In addition to the provision of biomass feedstocks and pollution remediation, these trees and shrubs have been sustainably grown to conserve or utilize water in a variety of applications. Growing these woody plants for multiple uses supports many of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6) and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7). As a result, focusing on ecosystem services such as freshwater and biomass has become an important aspect of deploying these production systems across variable landscapes. The current review consists of an introduction of ecosystem services and the SDGs, as well as SRWCs and their applications. The middle section of the review contains case studies highlighting the positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies. The review concludes with a section that combines the common themes that are consistent among the case studies to address options for integrating new bioenergy feedstock production systems into rural and urban landscapes to promote environmental, social and economic sustainability. This article is categorized under: Bioenergy > Economics and Policy Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

biomass production↗
DOE OSTI2020

Parameterizing Perennial Bioenergy Crops in Version 5 of the Community Land Model Based on Site‐Level Observations in the Central Midwestern United States

Abstract With projected expansion of biofuel production at a global scale, there is a pressing need to develop adequate representation of bioenergy crops in land surface models to help effectively quantify the biogeophysical and biogeochemical effects of its associated land use changes. This study implements two new perennial bioenergy crops, Miscanthus and switchgrass, into the Community Land Model Version 5 based on site‐level observations from the midwestern United States by modifying parameters associated with photosynthesis, phenology, allocation, decomposition, and carbon cost of nitrogen uptake and integrating concomitantly land management practices. Sensitivity analyses indicate that carbon and energy fluxes of the perennial crops are most sensitive to photosynthesis and phenology parameters. Validation of simulated fluxes against site‐level measurements demonstrates that the model is capable of capturing the overall patterns of energy and carbon fluxes, as well as physiological transitions from leaf emergence to senescence. Compared to annual crops, perennial crops feature longer growing season, greater leaf areas, and higher productivity, leading to increased transpiration, lower annual runoff, and larger carbon uptake. The model simulations suggest that with higher CO 2 assimilation rates and lower demands for nutrients and water, high‐yielding perennial crops are promising alternatives of bioenergy feedstocks compared to traditional annual crops not only for mitigating climate change but also for environmental conservation purposes by reducing fertilizer application and therefore alleviating surface‐ and ground‐water contaminations. Although the local‐scale simulations shed light on potential benefits of using perennial grasses as bioenergy feedstocks, quantifying consequences of their plantations at larger scales warrants additional investigation.

Cheng, Yanyan↗
DOE OSTI2022

Bioenergy Underground: Challenges and opportunities for phenotyping roots and the microbiome for sustainable bioenergy crop production

Abstract Bioenergy production often focuses on the aboveground feedstock production for conversion to fuel and other materials. However, the belowground component is crucial for soil carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas fluxes, and ecosystem function. Roots maximize feedstock production on marginal lands by acquiring soil resources and mediating soil ecosystem processes through interactions with the microbial community. This belowground world is challenging to observe and quantify; however, there are unprecedented opportunities using current methodologies to bring roots, microbes, and soil into focus. These opportunities allow not only breeding for increased feedstock production but breeding for increased soil health and carbon sequestration as well. A recent workshop hosted by the USDOE Bioenergy Research Centers highlighted these challenges and opportunities while creating a roadmap for increased collaboration and data interoperability through standardization of methodologies and data using F.A.I.R. principles. This article provides a background on the need for belowground research in bioenergy cropping systems, a primer on root system properties of major U.S. bioenergy crops, and an overview of the roles of root chemistry, exudation, and microbial interactions on sustainability. Crucially, we outline how to adopt standardized measures and databases to meet the most pressing methodological needs to accelerate root, soil, and microbial research to meet the pressing societal challenges of the century.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bioenergy and Climate Change in Ukraine: How climate can impact the sustainability of bioenergy production

The Russian invasion has exacerbated Ukraine’s energy security issues, prompting a shift toward diversifying energy supply sources. Additionally, strategic documents aim to align Ukraine’s energy system with EU climate requirements, focusing on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing decarbonization efforts. This report focuses on the expansion of bioenergy as an alternative source of energy in Ukraine. Current assessments suggest that Ukraine has substantial bioenergy potential, primarily from agricultural residues and energy crops. However, the challenges posed by climate change and the ongoing war might impact the outcome of these projections. This report highlights the importance of integrating climate factors into energy modeling using tools like the integrated assessment models to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ukraine’s bioenergy potential under various climate scenarios. It also emphasizes the need for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices to mitigate risks, enhance energy efficiency, and support resilient crop supplies. Recommendations for stakeholders include diversification of the energy supply sources, developing adaptation strategies, diversifying bioenergy feedstocks, and ensuring robust decision-making to navigate the impacts of climate change on Ukraine’s energy system.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Woody bioenergy crop selection can have large effects on water yield: A southeastern United States case study

Short-rotation woody crops in the southeastern United States will make a significant contribution to the growing renewable energy supply over the 21st century; however, there are few studies that investigate how species selection may affect water yield. Here we assessed the impact of species selection on annual and seasonal water budgets in unvegetated plots and late-rotation 14–15-year-old intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) stands in South Carolina USA. We found that while annual aboveground net primary productivity and bioenergy produced was similar between species, sweetgum transpiration was 53% higher than loblolly pine annually and 92% greater during the growing season. Canopy interception was 10.5% of annual precipitation and was not significantly different between the two species. Soil evaporation was less than 1.3% of annual precipitation and did not differ between species, but was 26% of precipitation in unvegetated plots. Annual water yield was 69% lower for sweetgum than loblolly pine, with water yield to precipitation ratios of 0.13 and 0.39 for sweetgum and loblolly pine, respectively. If planted at a large scale, the high transpiration and low water yield in sweetgum could result in declines in downstream water availability relative to loblolly pine by the end of the growing season when storage in groundwater, streams, and water supply reservoirs are typically at their lowest. Our results suggest that species selection is of critical importance when establishing forest plantations for woody bioenergy production due to potential impacts on downstream water yield.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data for A Role for Differential Rubisco Activase Isoform Expression in C4 Bioenergy Grasses at High Temperature

Rubisco activase (Rca) facilitates the release of sugar-phosphate inhibitors at Rubisco catalytic sites during CO2 fixation. Most plant species express two Rca isoforms, the larger Rca-α and the shorter Rca-β, either by alternative splicing from a single gene or expression from separate genes. The mechanism of Rubisco activation by Rca isoforms has been intensively studied in C3 plants. However, the functional role of Rca in C4 plants where Rubisco and Rca are located in a much higher [CO2] compartment is less clear. In this study, we selected four C4 bioenergy grasses and the model C4 grass setaria ( Setaria viridis ) to investigate the role of Rca in C4 photosynthesis. All five C4 grass species contained two Rca genes, one encoding Rca-α and the other Rca-β, which were positioned closely together in the genomes. A variety of abiotic stress-related motifs were identified in the Rca-α promoter of each grass, and while the Rca-β gene was constantly highly expressed at ambient temperature, Rca-α isoforms were expressed only at high temperature but never surpassed 30% of Rca-β content. The pattern of Rca-α induction on transition to high temperature and reduction on return to ambient temperature was the same in all five C4 grasses. In sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor ), sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum ), and setaria, the induction rate of Rca-α was similar to the recovery rate of photosynthesis and Rubisco activation at high temperature. This association between Rca-α isoform expression and maintenance of Rubisco activation at high temperature suggests that Rca-α has a functional thermo-protective role in carbon fixation in C4 grasses by sustaining Rubisco activation at high temperature.

Genomics↗
DOE OSTI2019

Land productivity and land availability for growing bioenergy crop in the Contiguous US. Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI)

The dataset consists of two types of data: the estimate of land productivity (the maximum productivity, MP) and the estimate of land that has low productivity for any major crops planted in the Contiguous United States and then may be available for growing bioenergy crops (the marginal land, ML). All data items are in GeoTiff format, under the World Geodetic System (WGS) 84 project, and with a resolution of 0.0020810045 degree (~250 m). The MP values are calculated based on machine learning model estimated yields of major crops in the CONUS, and its expected value (MP_mean.tif), and associated uncertainty (MP_IDP.tif). The ML availability data have two versions: a deterministic version and a version with uncertainty. The deterministic MLs are determined as the land pixels with expected MP values falling in the range defined in the following criteria, and the MLs with uncertainty are determined as the probability that the MP value of a land pixel falls in the range defined in the following criteria: Criteria_____Description S1________ Current crop and pasture land with MP <= P50 S2________ Current crop and pasture land with MP <= P25 S3________ S1 + current grass and shrub land with P25 < MP < P50 S4________ S2 + current grass and shrub land with P10 < MP < P25 Economic__ Current crop and pasture land with potential profitability < 0 Here P10, P25 and P50 are the 10th, 25th and 50th percentile of crop MP values

Land productivity↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Critical Review of Challenges Faced by Converting Food Waste to Bioenergy Through Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Here, the conventional approaches for handling food waste has been incineration, composting, landfilling, and anaerobic digestion for producing biogas. In light of organic waste bans and newly discovered presence of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in food, food packaging materials, and compost, this review provides a critical summary of what has been investigated and reported and what needs to be considered when choosing suitable pathways for food waste. In addition to the fundamental principles inherent to anaerobic digestion and hydrothermal liquefaction, challenges for each process are identified followed by discussion of potential solutions to resolve the bottlenecks.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗