Renewable Energy Sources in Transport on the Example of Methyl Esters and Bioethanol

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show how the situation of domestic biofuels in Poland and the alternative fuels sector is changing. On the basis of our own research and the available literature, changes in the production potential of Poland in the field of alternative fuels/biofuels are examined. Moreover, the reasons for changes in the production structure are analyzed. The flexibility of production potential to changes in legal conditions is assessed, and the value of sectors and their future are determined. This paper discusses legal and market aspects related to selected renewable energy sources used in Polish transport. Based on a review of literature and statistical data, the production and use of methyl esters and bioethanol are characterized in detail. Analysis of legal regulations enables the presentation of targets regarding renewable energy source (RES) use in transport by 2030. The results of studies conducted in 2020 are discussed with regard to the value (attractiveness) of methyl esters, bioethanol, electromobility and liquid bio-hydrocarbons, and these are compared and contrasted with the result from earlier years since 2010.

Problems of Selected Sectors of Biofuels for Transport in Poland

“…The applied approach to the literature review allowed the authors to integrate the research that has been carried out so far, which has been continuously carried out for many years, and to provide qualitative and quantitative insights into the research topic [8,14,17]. Data collection and analysis was carried out, as well as a deep focus on the analysed cases [18].…”

“…Porter was adopted for the research on the value of sectors. Porter's method has been used successfully since 2007 for almost all RES sectors in various studies and publications [8,14].…”

“…Value of sectors producing biocomponents, such as methyl esters and conventional bioethanol (produced from food related raw materials), is the object of analyses carried out since 2007. The evaluation method and the very evaluation of sector value from recent years are presented in greater detail in [8,48] At the beginning, upon emergence of the sectors, their value was high and exceeded 60%.…”

“…It is desirable that alternative fuels, next to their properties allowing substitution of hydrocarbon-based ones, are characterised with high efficiency, acceptable prices and a renewable character [5]. Pursuant to directives on promoting the use of energy from renewable sources [6,7], using such fuels in transport within the European Union (UE) is obligatory [8].…”

Applicability of water from the Bay of Gdańsk as a growth medium for mixotrophic culture of Platymonas subcordiformis

“…Given these considerations, algae may represent a viable substitute for traditional energy cops. Algae also appear on the European list of feedstocks which, when used for biofuel production, can be double-counted for the purposes of determining biofuel energy content [9,10]. Microalgae biomass is also a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, enzymes and fibers.…”