HERBACEOUS CROP SYSTEMS

Module BIOMASS CROPS FOR ENERGY

The course aims at providing knowledge concerning the rational management of biomass crops for energy and the agroenergy supply chains for the production of thermoelectric power, biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel.

At the end of the course, students will acquire the following skills.

• Knowledge and understanding: necessary skills in the agronomic techniques of the main biomass crops for the Mediterranean environment, and in the main bioconversion processes for the production of renewable energy and non-energy products within a circular economy perspective.
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to apply knowledge to the development of an agroenergy supply chain: legislation, biomass sourcing, logistics, transformation processes, transformation plant, end use, sustainability.
• Independent judgment: ability to evaluate the energy, environmental, economic, and social feasibility of a bioenergy supply chain
• Communication skills: develop the ability to describe the main characteristics of bioenergy supply chains
• Learning skills: ability to undertake advanced studies with a high degree of autonomy

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

 Course introduction and overview of key aspects in developing renewable energy projects based on biomass crops;

 Regional, national, and European legislation;

 Energy crop cultivation: (i) oil-bearing species, (ii) sugar/starch-rich species, (iii) lignocellulosic species, (iv) other species;

 Crop residues: (i) herbaceous crop residues, (ii) woody crop residues, (iii) forestry residues;

 Logistics;

 Wood processing and agri-food processing waste;

 Conversion processes: thermochemical and biochemical;

 Conversion facilities for combustion and the production of bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas;

 Sustainability (energy, environmental, and social aspects; life cycle analysis).

Contribution of the course to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

 GOAL 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

GOAL 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

12.c Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities

GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION

13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND

15.3 By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

Format:

·         lecture

·         supplementary materials

1. Textbook: Lo sviluppo delle colture energetiche in Italia. Il contributo dei progetti di

ricerca SUSCACE e FAESI, a cura di Luigi Pari. ISBN: 978-88-6134-730-4.

2. Texts provided by the teacher

Learning assessment is conducted through an oral exam. Students’ preparation will be assessed based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and present, and the student's reasoning ability.

The evaluation follows the following scheme

Failed

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations Use of references: completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate Use of references: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair bility to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner Using references: use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently Using references: use of standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis Use of references: important insights.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department,(https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

• Describe Arundo donax propagation methods and cultivation practices.
• Identify the potential energy uses of a sugar/starch crop.
• Identify the oilseed crop best suited to Sicilian soil and climate conditions.
• Describe the cultivation's agronomic techniques and possible end uses based on the harvested biomass.
• Classify biomass crops based on the harvestable product and their end uses.
• Describe the legislation regarding energy from renewable sources.
• Describe the concept of sustainability.