Showing papers in "International Journal of Energy Sector Management in 2013"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity assessments, research and development activities, and current and planned projects.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity assessments, research and development activities, and current and planned projects. The paper also aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for the diffusion of RE technologies in the GCC.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a literature‐based study on the status of the RE sector in the GCC, including capacities, projects, policies and frameworks in the GCC, in addition to an analysis of the main drivers and barriers to RE deployment arising from the literature.Findings – The results of this paper illustrate growing interest in renewable energy in the GCC countries at the R&D and project implementation level.Originality/value – The paper contributes by the provision of the latest knowledge on the status of the RE sector in the GCC and by highlighting the most significant drivers fuelling RE deployment, as well ...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional survey was used with a sample of 92 respondents drawn from a population of 286 industrial customers of the public electricity utility in the Southern Region of Malawi.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty among industrial customers of the public electricity utility organisation in Malawi using correlation and regression analyses.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐sectional survey was used with a sample of 92 respondents drawn from a population of 286 industrial customers of the public electricity utility in the Southern Region of Malawi. Data were collected using a pre‐tested questionnaire based on SERVQUAL and multi‐item scales to measure customer satisfaction and loyalty.Findings – The findings suggest that the service quality is poor irrespective of demographic characteristics of the industrial customers. Furthermore, the findings show that the public electricity utility industrial customers are dissatisfied with the service offered and are disloyal to the public electricity utility. However, the level of loyalty is moderated by level of consumption. Large consumers ar...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine what kind of motives and practices company has for employer branding in power industry and find out the benefits of employer branding and how it is targeted towards potential and current employees.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine what kind of motives and practices company has for employer branding in power industry. The objective is to find out the benefits of employer branding and how it is targeted towards potential and current employees. In addition, the aim is to examine whether companies see employer branding as a process and what kind of processes they have for employer branding.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical perspective of this study is based on literature review, which provides a better understanding of employer branding. The empirical part is a qualitative case study of two large, international companies in the field of power industry. The data was gathered with interviews.Findings – The main motives for employer branding are better employer image, more efficient recruitment and improved job satisfaction. Employer branding efforts are focused according to target group. Recruitment and educational co‐operation are the main objects of employer branding towards...
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a framework for torrefaction configuration in a supply chain perspective for different types of customers, such as unrefined forest fuel, pellets and coal logistics with prescriptions for configuration derived from the subject area of supply chain ma...
Abstract: Purpose – One way of overcoming logistics barriers (poor transportation, handling and storage properties) towards increased utilisation of biomass is to introduce a pre‐treatment process such as torrefaction early in the biomass‐to‐energy supply chain. Torrefaction offers a range of potentially beneficial logistics properties but the actual benefits depend upon how the supply chain is configured to address various elements of customer demand. Hence, the aim of this paper is to develop a framework for torrefaction configuration in a supply chain perspective for different types of customers.Design/methodology/approach – Sophisticated pre‐treatment processes are yet to reach the commercialisation phase. Identification of possible supply chain configurations is in this paper done through a conceptual approach by bringing together knowledge from related research fields such as unrefined forest fuel, pellets and coal logistics with prescriptions for configuration derived from the subject area of supply chain ma...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an economic model for the energy and forest sectors based on partial equilibrium modeling is used to quantify the impacts of four different locations of biofuel production in Norway, and the results show that there are regional variations in biomass price effects depending on local raw material availability and costs of transport and import.
Abstract: Purpose – Second-generation biofuel is regarded as a sustainable alternatives to fossil energy in transportation where electricity is not feasible. The main purpose of this study is to analyze how large-scale second-generation biofuel based on wood may affect the competitiveness of more mature bioenergy technologies such as bioheat through competition in the biomass market. The impacts on forest industries are also included. Design/methodology/approach – An economic model for the energy and forest sectors based on partial equilibrium modeling is used to quantify the impacts of four different locations of biofuel production in Norway. Findings – The results show that there are regional variations in biomass price effects depending on local raw material availability and costs of transport and import. Technologies allowing for a larger variety of wood biomass qualities will face lower biomass prices than technologies using only one species as raw material, causing less reduction in the production of bioheat ...
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a nonparametric approach of data envelopment analysis (DEA) with sensitivity analysis and Tobit regression model is used to evaluate the overall, pure technical and scale efficiencies of state-owned coal-fired power plants.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to benchmark the performance of state-owned coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) and test whether plant-specific knowledge in terms of quality of coal, size, age and make of plant contribute to an improvement in plant efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology that is utilized in the study follows a nonparametric approach of data envelopment analysis (DEA) with sensitivity analysis and Tobit regression model. The input-oriented DEA models are applied to evaluate the overall, pure technical and scale efficiencies of the CFPPs. Further, slack analysis is conducted to identify modes to improve the efficiency of the inefficient plants. Sensitivity analysis based on peer count and the removal of variables is carried out to identify the benchmark power plant. Through Tobit and bootstrap-truncated regression model, the paper investigates whether a plant's specific knowledge influences its efficiency. Findings – The DEA analysis demonstrates that nine plants are te...
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the rationality of residential electricity customers' decision-making based on their behavior in liberalized electricity markets is studied by using price data obtained from the Finnish Energy Market Authority.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to study the rationality of residential electricity customers' decision-making based on their behavior in liberalized electricity markets. Design/methodology/approach – Finnish residential customers' saving opportunities from supplier switching are studied by using price data obtained from the Finnish Energy Market Authority. The saving opportunities are then compared with the switches accomplished. The paper also examines the dispersion of offer prices (the prices that are offered to customers who wish to switch away from the default contract) by comparing all the offers for one- and two-year contracts in the largest network area in Finland (2007-2010). Findings – About 60-70 percent of residential customers are estimated to purchase electricity under a default contract from their local supplier. However, notable savings might be achieved by switching from default contracts to competitive contracts. The analysis shows that for the majority of customers, the offer prices were alw...
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the changes in productivity for 25 state-owned coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) over a period of seven years (2003•2010) were studied. But the authors did not consider the impact of technological change and technical efficiency on the productivity of CFPPs.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to study the changes in productivity for 25 state‐owned coal‐fired power plants (CFPPs) over a period of seven years (2003‐2010).Design/methodology/approach – The methodology that is utilized in the study follows a non‐parametric approach of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and uses the Malmquist index to estimate the change in productivity of panel samples. In the calculations, the study considers installed capacity, fuel, labour, electricity used, and average operational time as inputs and considers net electricity produced as output.Findings – The results indicate that the average total factor productivity regressed during the investigation period at an annual rate of 2 percent. The decrease in productivity is equally attributed to the technical efficiency change and technological change components, with an average decline in productivity of 1 percent per year. A plant‐wise analysis demonstrates that the Parichha plant recorded an average increase in productivity of 3.9 percent...
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors test the hypothesis about increasing the efficiency of gas distribution companies in the period of high gas prices on the example of Ukraine that is highly dependent on this energy source, and detect the decreasing returns to scale in the gas distribution sector, which means that Ukrainian gas companies get advantage reducing the volume of gas supply.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to test the hypothesis about increasing the efficiency of gas distribution companies in the period of high gas prices on the example of Ukraine that is highly dependent on this energy source. Design/methodology/approach – The basic and super-efficiency models of data envelopment analysis (DEA), Malmquist total factor productivity index, three-factor production function and other tools are used to analyse the efficiency of gas distribution companies. Some factors are examined for their impact on efficiency. The results are based on the samples of 33 Ukrainian gas distribution companies. Findings – The author detects the decreasing returns to scale in the gas distribution sector, which means that Ukrainian gas companies get advantage reducing the volume of gas supply. Rise in prices for imported gas is reflected positively not only on the income of the exporting Russian supplier Gazprom, but also on the profitability of Ukrainian gas distribution companies. The losses associated wit...
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors employ GARCH class models (GARCH, IGARCH and CGARCH) to estimate the volatility persistence on crude oil, US, Gulf Corporation Council (GCC), Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) stock markets.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to employ GARCH-class models (GARCH, IGARCH and CGARCH) to estimate the volatility persistence on crude oil, US, Gulf Corporation Council (GCC), Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) stock markets. Also, the paper investigates the volatility spillover and the dynamic conditional correlation between crude oil, US stock index and stock indices of GCC and BRIC countries. The results prove a high degree of volatility persistence in the crude oil and stock markets. Based on the BEKK-GARCH and DCC-GARCH results, the paper finds strong evidence of the contagion effect of the oil shock and US financial crisis of 2008 on GCC and BRIC stock markets. Design/methodology/approach – In the beginning, the paper uses univariate GARCH models to estimate the volatility persistence of the oil market, US stock market, and GCC and BRIC stock markets. Then, the paper uses a trivariate BEKK-GARCH model of Malik and Hammoudeh to examine the volatility spillover between oil market, US stock market and s...
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the state of play with regard to carbon capture and storage in the GCC region and investigate the opportunities and challenges for further CCS development is reviewed. But, the lack of a coordinated environmental regulation regime to cap future carbon emissions is posing significant risks for further development.
Abstract: Purpose – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have consistently ranked high in per capita carbon emissions, not to mention the fact that a lifestyle with a high ecological footprint in a fragile ecosystem can affect the regional environment, prosperity and social stability. The adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the GCC countries has been consistently gaining attention, as it is widely seen as a suitable mitigation measure, particularly in a region where heavy industry and geological exploitation have led to wealth and prosperity. Additionally, making captured CO2 available for enhanced oil recovery is expected to create significant economic value. However, the lack of a coordinated environmental regulation regime to cap future carbon emissions is posing significant risks for further CCS development. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews the state of play with regard to CCS in the GCC region and investigate the opportunities and chall...
TL;DR: In this paper, an explorative, questionnaire-based survey among 161 Russian energy companies and organizations was conducted, and a total of 28 usable responses were returned, corresponding to a response rate of 17 per cent.
Abstract: Purpose – The Russian Energy Service Company (ESCO) market emerges rapidly due to the new energy efficiency legislation that has been implemented since 2009. However, a clear identification of the Russian ESCOs, comparable to those operating on the basis of Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) in the Western markets, remains rather difficult. Hence, aside from the independent ESCOs identified, further energy service‐providing companies (ESPCs) are within the scope of this survey. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – Building on comprehensive qualitative research of the international and Russian academic and non‐academic literature on the ESCO concept and an expert interview, an explorative, questionnaire‐based survey among 161 Russian energy companies and organizations was conducted. A total of 28 usable responses were returned, corresponding to a response rate of 17 per cent. Non‐parametric exact tests are used for the statistical analysis.Findings – The authors' findings...
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of domestic waste water (grey water) as well as biochar in combination for above-ground biomass of Eucalyptus hybrid (clone 413) and Anthocephalus cadamba plantations under flooded irrigation was investigated.
Abstract: Purpose – The energy demand of growing population is on rise despite the fact that conventional energy reserves are limited and exhaustive in nature. To quench the ever-needing demand of energy, there is an urgent need to find out new energy options. In this regard, role of bioenergy plantation has gained enormous attention of scientist community all over the world. Biochar, a black pyrolysed carbonaceous product, is used as soil amendment and is reported to provide several benefits such as retention of nutrients in soil, better cation exchange capacity, soil carbon sequestration with better biomass yield. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The present study investigated the effect of domestic waste water (grey water) as well as biochar in combination for above-ground biomass of Eucalyptus hybrid (clone 413) and Anthocephalus cadamba plantations under flooded irrigation. Findings – Height, girth and above-ground biomass of both plantations increased significantly from co...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors carried out a financial statement analysis for indexes in order to evaluate business management in terms of the financial, profitability and liquidity aspects of natural gas retail companies.
Abstract: Purpose – In the last decade, the Italian natural gas market has undergone profound changes. The slow ongoing process of liberalization that began in 2000 has produced many changes in the industry as companies have had to react to the new regulatory framework. Many companies have sought agreements, alliances and mergers to consolidate their position in the market, other companies have sought to diversify their product range by becoming multi-utility companies, others, unable to react to the new competitive pressures, have gone bankrupt. The aim of the work is to analyse the performance of natural gas retail companies after the liberalization of the sector. Design/methodology/approach – The authors carry out a financial statement analysis for indexes in order to evaluate business management in terms of the financial, profitability and liquidity aspects. The authors analysed a sample of 111 companies operating in Italy for a six-year period (2004-2009) following the full liberalization of the sector (Januar...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide the prospects and challenges of cooperation concerning natural gas resources between the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), based on a critical review of the current state of the GCC region regarding NG production, consumption, trading movements, policy framework and existing/planned projects and programs for each GCC country individually.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to provide the prospects and challenges of cooperation concerning natural gas (NG) resources between the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), based on a “critical review” of the current state of the GCC region regarding NG production, consumption, trading movements, policy framework and existing/planned projects and programs for each GCC country individually.Design/methodology/approach – The methodological four‐steps approach adopted is based on the context of the project “Creation and Operation of an EU‐GCC Clean Energy Network” (www.eugcc‐cleanergy.net). This paper summarizes the dynamic NG supply/demand situation in the GCC countries in a structured way, touching upon some pertinent policy issues and relating specific projects.Findings – The key finding of the paper is the assessment of GCC countries' potential for future collaboration, especially with the EU. The collaboration opportunities, based on a detailed overview of existing and planned practices in t...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of present and future energy corridors between the European countries (EU27) and their main energy suppliers (GCC countries).
Abstract: Purpose – This article is based on the REACCESS research project, sponsored by the European Commission, with the objectives of evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of present and future energy corridors between the European countries (EU27) and their main energy suppliers. GCC countries have an important role to play given their role in EU energy supply and in greenhouse gas emissions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach – A single energy model was built by hard‐linking the TIMES integrated assessment model (TIAM‐World), the Pan European TIMES model (PET), and the RECOR model (REaccess CORridors), including more than 1,000 possible energy corridors supplying the European countries. Another major methodology advance was to create a hybrid objective function, combining the usual cost objective and a metric representing the supply risk incurred by EU27. The risk component was constructed via a novel approach that aggregates the elemental risk parameters...
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study on energy production potential of seasonal oil bearing crops in India has been presented, where the effect of waste water irrigation and agronomic practices on increasing productivity is given special attention.
Abstract: Purpose: A variety of biomass plantations are being raised for energy production. This case study is on energy production potential of seasonal oil bearing crops in India. These crops have the advantage of producing oil (liquid fuel) as well as biomass as agro residue (solid fuel). The purpose of the study is to estimate total energy yields of oil bearing crops and compare with other types of energy plantations. Also oil bearing crops bioaccumulate metals and thus phytoremediate soil. This provides scope for waste water irrigation. Design/methodology/approach: Relevant published papers on energy production by raising oil bearing crops have been analyzed. The effect of waste water irrigation and agronomic practices on increasing productivity is given special attention. Findings: It is shown that the seasonal oil bearing crops such as castor have a high potential to generate energy and this is comparable to energy produced by many perennial grasses. The energy yields of castor under irrigated condition was 196×103 MJ/ha and this is comparable to the reed canary grass which yields 195×103 MJ/ha. Some of the oil bearing crops are also super accumulators of certain toxic metals. Research limitations/implications: In this study, only all the accessible papers on the topic could be analyzed. Practical implications: This case study indicates that raising oil bearing crops such as castor using waste water has many advantages which include high energy yields, utilization of waste water for productive purpose and phytoremediation of soil. Originality/value: The comparison made between various types of energy crops for their energy generation is an original contribution. Findings of economic and environmental benefits by waste water irrigation are also of value.
TL;DR: In this article, an economic assessment was performed of the potential for clean energy options to contribute to the power and desalination needs in the State of Kuwait over the next 20 to 40 years.
Abstract: Purpose – An economic assessment was performed of the potential for clean energy options to contribute to the power and desalination needs in the State of Kuwait over the next 20 to 40 years. The paper aims to summarize two analyses that were performed for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to develop a strategy promoting renewable energy and evaluating alternative technologies including nuclear energy.Design/methodology/approach – The analyses were performed using a power and water model for Kuwait that was constructed using the International Energy Agency – Energy Technology Systems Analysis Programme (IEA‐ETSAP) TIMES modeling framework. Data provided by the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) and the Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) characterizes the projected demand for power and water; the existing and planned power generation and water desalination plants, including the expected retirement of existing plants; and future fossil fuel prices and availability. New power generation options –...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the state of play on energy efficiency with regards to policy, legislation and technological issues in the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse the state of play on energy efficiency with regards to policy, legislation and technological issues in the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Moreover, specific collaboration proposals between the two regions, with respect to the aforementioned, are elaborated on.Design/methodology/approach – The approach of this paper utilizes and integrates the input from a large number of experts through excerpts from extensive international literature, dedicated meetings, bilateral interviews with experts and questionnaires regarding specific proposals for further collaboration.Findings – Collaboration on energy efficiency between the two regions focuses mainly on three directions: policy, technologies and research. Specific collaboration proposals identified relate among others to the establishment of energy agencies and synergies at the policy level, building retrofitting technologies, labels and standards especially for air conditionin...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the energy status of cogeneration power desalting plants (CPDP) in Qatar, in terms of type, capacity, fuel consumption and measures that should be taken to improve their performance and reduce consumed fuel.
Abstract: Purpose – Natural gas (NG) consumption is increasing at an alarming rate, and more than 50 percent of this gas is used in generating electric power (EP) and desalted seawater (DW) in what is called cogeneration power desalting plants (CPDP). In this context, the purpose of this paper is to study the energy status in Qatar. More specifically, Qatar energy supply side is studied through the CPDP. In an effort to decrease the energy consumption by raising the efficiency of the CPDP (at the supply side), and conserving energy at the demand side, primarily energy footprint is performed.Design/methodology/approach – The status of CPDP, in terms of the type, capacity, fuel consumption is studied, and measures that should be taken to improve their performance and reduce their consumed fuel are presented.Findings – Study of the EP and DW sector showed that the fuel consumed in the CPDP can be reduced substantially by converting the simple gas turbine cycle to combined cycle to raise its efficiency from 30 percent ...
TL;DR: In this article, the performance of the solar chimney with size, absorber area 9.76m2 and height 4.57m was investigated based on experimental data recorded in the city, Kota (25°10N, 75°52E), India.
Abstract: Purpose – The ventilation and air-conditioning systems consume the highest energy in the building sector. The proper ventilation in residential buildings through the passive solar systems can substantially reduce the energy consumption in building sector. The paper aims to identify the application of wind shaft as a solar chimney, a passive ventilation system and evaluated the performance of the system. Design/methodology/approach – The paper investigated the performance of the solar chimney with size, absorber area 9.76 m2 and height 4.57 m, based on experimental data recorded in the city, Kota (25°10N, 75°52E), India. Solar data were recorded using the state of the art weather station situated very closer to the residence. The air velocity and temperatures in the chimney and in the building are recorded in data logger. A simple mathematical model was used for the evaluation of the air change per hour (ACH) in the residential building. Findings – From the analysis of weather data, it was found that the a...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors designed and proved the concept of micro-industry using trigeneration fuelled by biomass, for sustainable development in rural NW India, which is being tested at village Malunga, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
Abstract: Purpose: The paper aims to design and prove the concept of micro-industry using trigeneration fuelled by biomass, for sustainable development in rural NW India. Design/methodology/approach: This is being tested at village Malunga, near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The system components comprise burning of waste biomass for steam generation and its use for power generation, cooling system for fruit ripening and the use of steam for producing distilled water. Site was selected taking into account the local economic and social needs, biomass resources available from agricultural activities, and the presence of a NGO which is competent to facilitate running of the enterprise. The trigeneration system was designed to integrate off-the-shelf equipment for power generation using boilers of approximate total capacity 1 tonne of fuel per hour, and a back-pressure steam turbo-generator (200 kW). Cooling is provided by a vapour absorption machine (VAM). Findings: The financial analysis indicates a payback time of less than two years. Nevertheless, this is sensitive to market fluctuations and availabilities of raw materials. Originality/value: Although comparable trigeneration systems already exist in large food processing industries and in space heating and cooling applications, they have not previously been used for rural micro-industry. The small-scale (1-2 m3/h output) multiple effect distillation (3 effect plus condenser) unit has not previously been deployed at field level.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate the viability of using bamboo hybrid fencing fertigated with grey water as a means of providing energy to rural communities in developing countries by developing a decision support system (DSS) model.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the viability of using bamboo hybrid fencing fertigated with grey water as a means of providing energy to rural communities in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper establishes such returns by developing a decision support system (DSS) model populated with parameters obtained from literature and field data. The DSS allows for a sensitivity analysis that examines the robustness of the hybrid bio-fencing under varying scenarios and the interactions among species, management, and technological variables. Findings – Critical variables identified include the technological efficiency, number of clumps per m2 planted and the influence of grey water on growth rates. Practical implications – In the developing countries, uncertainty abounds in rural “green” interventions. Such uncertainties can be quite problematic especially for marginal communities. This research provides developmental agents with the ability to derive specific economic...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors presented a methodology that was developed for designing and assessing the feasibility of a hybrid solar-biomass power plant in Gujarat, where a linear Fresnel reflector was used to evaluate and design solar thermal collectors for specific applications and locations.
Abstract: Purpose: Energy security is a major concern for India and many rural areas remain un-electrified. Thus, innovations in sustainable technologies to provide energy services are required. Biomass and solar energy in particular are resources that are widely available and underutilised in India. This paper aims to provide an overview of a methodology that was developed for designing and assessing the feasibility of a hybrid solar-biomass power plant in Gujarat. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology described is a combination of engineering and business management studies used to evaluate and design solar thermal collectors for specific applications and locations. For the scenario of a hybrid plant, the methodology involved: the analytical hierarchy process, for solar thermal technology selection; a cost-exergy approach, for design optimisation; quality function deployment, for designing and evaluating a novel collector - termed the elevation linear Fresnel reflector (ELFR); and case study simulations, for analysing alternative hybrid plant configurations. Findings: The paper recommended that for a hybrid plant in Gujarat, a linear Fresnel reflector of 14,000 m2 aperture is integrated with a 3 tonne per hour biomass boiler, generating 815 MWh per annum of electricity for nearby villages and 12,450 tonnes of ice per annum for local fisheries and food industries. However, at the expense of a 0.3 ¢/kWh increase in levelised energy costs, the ELFR can increase savings of biomass (100 t/a) and land (9 ha/a). Research limitations/implications: The research reviewed in this paper is primarily theoretical and further work will need to be undertaken to specify plant details such as piping layout, pump sizing and structure, and assess plant performance during real operational conditions. Originality/value: The paper considers the methodology adopted proved to be a powerful tool for integrating technology selection, optimisation, design and evaluation and promotes interdisciplinary methods for improving sustainable engineering design and energy management.