Renewable Resources and Renewable Energy A Global Challenge, Second Edition

As energy demands continue to surge worldwide, the need for more efficient and environmentally neutral energy production also becomes increasingly apparent. Renewable Resources and Renewable Energy: A Global Challenge presents a well-rounded perspective on the development of bio-based feedstocks, biodegradable plastics, hydrogen energy, fuel cells, and other aspects related to renewable resources and sustainable energy production. The book first examines the transformation of bio-based renewable feedstock into valuable, clean, and economically attractive products. It explains the catalytic processes involved and surveys the relevant commercial technologies that are available. The book highlights how these technologies can be used for efficient waste management solutions, particularly for the synthetic polymers industry, as well as energy production. The authors also pay particular attention to current trends for hydrogen-based and fuel cell-based technologies and provide real-world case studies of renewable energy projects in Asia and South America. An accessible reference for both scientists and non-scientists, Renewable Resources and Renewable Energy offers valuable insight into the chemical processes and practical considerations as well as the advantages, challenges, and opportunities for developing these technologies and achieving more sustainable energy production.

PART 1: TECHNOLOGIES FOR APPLICATION AND UTILIZATION OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES Rationale, Drivers, Standards, and Technology for Biobased Materials; R. Narayan Biobased Key Molecules as Chemical Feedstocks; H. van Bekkum Industrial Chemistry with Nature-Based Bioprocesses; B. Witholt Catalytic Conversion of Carbohydrates to Oxygenates; H. Mehdi, R. Tuba, László T. Mika, A. Bodor, K.Torkos, and I.T. Horváth PART2: PLASTICS AND MATERIALS FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES Developments and Future Trends for Environmentally Degradable Plastics; E. Chiellini, P. Cinelli, and A. Corti Production of Plastics from Waste Derived from Agrofood Industry; G. Braunegg, M. Koller, P. Varila, C. Kutschera, R. Bona, C. Hermann, P. Horvat, J. Neto, and L. Pereira On the Environmental Performance of Biobased Energy, Fuels, and Materials: A Comparative Analysis of Life-Cycle Assessment Studies; M. Weiss and M. Patel PART 3: TECHNOLOGIES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY Hydrogen Production and Cleaning from Renewable Feedstock; S. Hocevar Gasification of Biomass to Produce Hydrogen; S. Albertazzi, F. Basile, and F. Trifirò Sustainable Biological Hydrogen Production; A. Ýnci Ýþli, T.N. Veziroðlu Hydrogen-Based Technologies for Mobile Applications; N. Hickey, P. Fornasiero, and M. Graziani Efficiently Distributed Power Supply with Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells; P. Heidebrecht, K. Sundmacher PART 4: TRENDS, NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Renewable Resources and Energy in the Asia Pacific Region; O.L. Castillo Development of Renewable Energy in Malaysia; A.N. Ma, Y.M. Choo, K.Y. Cheah, and Y. Basiron Outlook on Catalytic Technologies for Sustainable Development: the Argentina Case; C.R. Apesteguía Marketing Photovoltaic Technologies in Developing Countries; G. Hegde and C.V. Nayar