Journal of Fundamentals of Renewable Energy and Applications
Open Access
ISSN: 2090-4541
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2090-4541
+44 1300 500008
Lucia Doyle
ttz Bremerhaven, Germany
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Fundam Renewable Energy Appl
The demand for energy and raw materials is growing rapidly worldwide and how to satisfy it in a sustainable and economical way is one of the biggest challenges to face in the coming years. From energy and fuels to fertilization, our current technological growth and society still demand carbon-based raw materials. Biorefineries have been called to play a major role in the circular economy delivering these products by cascading and refining approaches, optimising the full chain resource efficiency. They are expected to contribute to an increased competitiveness and wealth of the countries by responding to the need for supplying a wide range of biobased products and energy in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner. At the same time, urban waste is one of the greatest environmental impacts of our current way of life. Legislation such as the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/ EC), and of course sustainability requires a maximal re-use and recycling of the generated waste. Focusing on the organic fraction (OFMSW, sewage sludge) the inhomogeneity and impurity content of organic urban waste are major barriers for its real valorization. With anaerobic digestion (AD), composting and mechanical biological treatment (MBT) being the main technological options today, full valorization has not been achieved. Hindrances include pollutants causing microbial growth inhibition, physical problems like floating, and a significant fraction of the waste being lignocellulosic and hence not suitable for the case of AD, and pollutants content and low market value for the case of composting. MBT face the same issues. This result to a Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) which still be complied with to a limited extent. However, these organic waste streams can be used as feedstock for a biorefinery based on HTC technology, producing hydrochar and carbonaceous liquids, high value products that can be used as fuel, activated carbons for water treatment, soil remediation, carbon sequestration schemes and other applications. Results from EU project NEWAPP demonstrated that solid fuels can be produced in sufficient quality as to be used as a solid fuel. Combustion has been proved technically viable. To facilitate market penetration, input has been provided to include HTC solid biofuel��?s properties in international standard ISO 172-8.
Lucía Doyle is a Chemical Engineer and completed MSc in Energy and Fuels. With broad experience in renewable energy (solar, biomass and biofuels), waste valorization technologies and environmental engineering, she has worked both for large industrial projects and publicly funded R&D, participating and coordinating international research consortiums. Passionate about technological innovation, she is engaged in the development of sustainable products and renewable energy generation. She is currently Team Leader of the Renewable Energy and Resource Efficiency group at ttz Bremerhaven, provides independent consultancy services and cooperates as expert with the European Commission.
Email: ldoyle@ttz-bremerhaven.de