| Investigating the mechanics of agricultural residue biomass-water mixtures flows while hydro-transporting in vertical pipesJaved K*, Vaezi M, Kumar A. Investigating the mechanics of agricultural residue biomass-water mixtures flows while hydro-transporting in vertical pipes, abstract accepted for presentation to the 2018 ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 29-Aug. 1, 2018, Detroit, Michigan, USA T01-P05 | Activity | 2018-04-28 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Can we marry pipeline transportation with hydrothermal processing?Kumar M*, Javed K, Oyedun AO, Vaezi M, Kumar A. Can we marry pipeline transportation with hydrothermal processing?, abstract submitted to the 26th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE 2018), May 14-18, 2018, Copenhagen, Denmark.T01-P05 | Activity | 2018-04-28 | Mayank Kumar, Kashif Javed, Adetoyese Oyedun, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Pipeline hydro transport of wheat straw biomass in vertical pipesJaved K*, Vaezi M, Kumar A. Pipeline hydro transport of wheat straw biomass in vertical pipes, presented at the ASABE 2017 Annual International Meeting, July 16-19, 2017, Spokane, Washington.T01-P05 | Activity | 2017-07-19 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Investigating the mechanics of agricultural residue biomass-water mixtures flows while hydro-transporting in vertical pipesT01-P05 | Activity | 2018-07-29 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Techno-economic assessment of pipeline hydro-transport vs. truck delivery of forest residue biomass to a bio-based energy facility based on experimental measurementsT01-P05 | Activity | 2018-07-29 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Experimental investigation of agricultural residue biomass-water slurry flows in inclined and vertical pipelinesT01-P05 | Activity | 2020-07-13 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Comparison of vertical hydro-transport of lignocellulosic biomass with conventional solidsDate: July 7-10, 2019. [Conference Presentation].T01-P05 | Activity | 2019-07-07 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Hydrothermal liquefaction of pipelined biomass for fuel productionT01-P05 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Raw biomass slurry flow in an inclined pipeline for its transport over a long distance to a biorefineryT01-P05 | Activity | 2020-07-06 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Experimental investigation of terminal settling velocity of biomass particles in Newtonian fluid.T01-P05 | Activity | 2021-07-16 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Hydro-transport of lignocellulosic biomass through inclined pipelines. T01-P05 | Activity | 2021-07-12 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Frictional behaviour of wheat straw-water suspensions in vertical upward flowsThe use of biofuels helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier studies have shown that transporting biomass in horizontal pipelines in the form of water-based slurries significantly reduces transportation costs. The frictional behaviour of water-based chopped wheat straw slurry in a vertical pipeline has not been studied and this is the focus of this study. In situ concentrations of water-based conventional solids of medium sand, glass beads, and fine sand and straw slurry flows were determined by measuring their delivered concentrations in pseudo-homogeneous regimes for prepared concentrations of 1–6% (dry volume of conventional solids) and 5–25% (saturated mass of straw), respectively. Two grades of sand and glass beads with mean particle diameters of 0.103, 0.447, and 0.5 mm, respectively, and straw with a nominal particle length of 19.2 mm were utilised. The delivered concentrations for the straw slurries and fine sand were close to their corresponding prepared concentrations and were homogeneous. There was a large discrepancy between prepared and delivered concentrations for the medium-sized sand and glass beads slurries. The pressure drop of straw slurries over the range of velocities of 0.5–4.2 m s−1 and mass concentrations of 5–25% through the vertical pipe showed a maximum drag reduction of 19% at a concentration of 25% (mass) and at a 3.5 m s−1 velocity. For concentrations of 5–20% (mass), the straw slurries showed drag-reducing capabilities in the mixed and turbulent flow regions for various velocities that were different from horizontal flows.T01-P05 | Publication | 2021-10-18 | Kashif Javed, Mahdi Vaezi, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Comparison of maize stover and wheat straw slurry flow in vertical pipesT01-P05 | Publication | 2022-05-01 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Two-phase (solid-liquid) flows of agricultural residue biomass in inclined pipes.Two-phase (solid-liquid) flows of agricultural residue biomass in inclined pipes.T01-P05 | Activity | 2022-07-20 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| The development of empirical correlations to understand the frictional behavior of aqueous biomass slurry flows in vertical pipesLarge-scale biofuel production at levels equivalent to conventional oil refineries using long-distance pipeline hydro-transport of biomass can be a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels when it comes to economics and traffic congestion associated with the overland transportation of biomass. The transport of aqueous slurries of several saturated mass concentrations (5%-40%) and four-particle sizes (from <3.2-19.2 mm) of two types of agricultural residue biomass (ARB) feedstock (corn stover and wheat straw) was studied through a vertical test section of a 29 m long, 50 mm diameter closed circuit pipeline facility, and frictional pressure drops were recorded at different flow rates (0.5-4.3 m s-1). A framework was developed in RStudio (4.0.5) to analyze the experimentally obtained frictional pressure drops of biomass slurries through a multiple linear regression approach using a backward elimination method and Akaike information criterion. An empirical model was proposed to predict slurry frictional pressure drop in terms of slurry velocity, slurry solid mass concentration, particle aspect ratio, and feedstock type. The model satisfactorily predicted the frictional pressure drops of both feedstocks of biomass-water slurry flows through pipes within a 95% confidence interval. The correlations introduced for onset velocities of drag reduction in terms of slurry solid mass concentrations seemed helpful to interpret the transition points of the corresponding slurries in vertical upward flows through pipes. The empirical correlation developed in this research could help select biomass slurry pumps and pipe dimensions when designing a typical long distance pipeline network for biofuel production at the commercial level.T01-P05 | Publication | 2023-06-05 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| The effect of particle size and concentration on the frictional behavior of vertical upward flows of wheat straw aqueous slurriesT01-P05 | Publication | 2022-09-01 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Experimental study on two-phase (solid-liquid) flows of ground wheat straw in inclined pipes Long-distance pipeline hydro-transport of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial-scale biofuel production at levels comparable to conventional oil refineries presents an economically and logistically viable alternative to fossil fuels. There is limited understanding of the behavior of the transportation of agricultural biomass slurries in an inclined pipeline. This research is focused on a laboratory-scale investigation of 6.4 mm nominal particle length (d50 = 4.85 mm) knife-milled wheat straw-water suspensions' uphill and downhill flows for a range of pipe inclination and saturated mass concentrations. The range of pipe inclination and saturated mass concentration was -7° to +21° and 5%-30%, respectively. The inclined test section was 29 m long with a 50 mm inside diameter of a closed pipeline loop. The accuracy of the measurements was verified by calibrating the inclined pipe section with fine sand (d50 = 0.103 mm)-aqueous slurries and comparing the results with established correlations. Most wheat straw-aqueous suspensions in the inclined flows showed the characteristics of the plug flow and the transition flow regions together for saturated mass concentration, Cm = 5%-30% and the entire flow range (0.5-4.7 m s-1), with a clear dependence of both the onset velocity of drag reduction (vOD) and drag reduction (%DR) on the pipe inclination as well as the slurry concentration and the critical concentration of maximum drag reduction (Cm)cr on a specific range of suspension velocity. Because of the accelerating effect of gravity, downhill slurry flows had the lowest vOD and the highest %DR at every Cm and pipe inclination with a maximum drag reduction of 25.53% at vm = 4.5 m s-1 and Cm = 25%. Uphill flows demonstrated some nonmonotonic changes in vOD and %DR, which need more experimental data for us to reach a firm conclusion. The research outcomes could help design and operate a long-distance integrated pipeline network for biomass transportation to produce biofuels on a large scale. T01-P05 | Publication | 2024-04-04 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Comparison of frictional behaviour and techno-economics of agricultural residue biomass in ascending and descending pipesThis study focuses on the techno-economic assessment of the hydro-transport of chopped agricultural and forest residue biomass by pipeline over a long distance. This could be the most sustainable and economical mode of delivering biomass for the production of biofuels on commercial scale (on par with fossil fuels). Horizontal pipeline loop arrangement has been studies earlier. However, techno-economic assessment of inclined pipeline transport of biomass slurries have not been studied earlier. This study aims at addressing this gap. A long-distance pipeline network's size and cost must be accurately estimated by comprehending and measuring the frictional behaviour and rheological characteristics of various types and sizes of materials through pipe sections at various inclinations. The main objective of the current study is to analyse the frictional behaviour of 6.4 mm particle size of wheat straw aqueous slurries as they pass through a 7.3 m long inclined pipe segment with a 50 mm diameter that is a part of a 29 m long closed-circuit pipeline facility. It will also be examined how frictional pressure drops of biomass-water slurries are impacted by pipe inclinations (both ascending and descending) in relation to the horizontal axis, slurry solid concentration, and slurry velocities. Using the findings of this study, a detailed techno-economical model for long-distance pipelines from farms to large biorefineries will be developed to estimate the cost of delivery of biomass slurries on a large scale. This information developed in this study will help in development of biorefineries on a commercial scale.
T01-P05 | Activity | 2023-07-09 | Kashif Javed, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Experimental Investigation of Particle Degradation of Agricultural Residue Biomass in Post-Pumping During Pipeline Hydro TransportThis study aims to experimentally investigate the particle morphology of pumped agricultural residue biomass (wheat straw and maize stover) slurry flow through a laboratory scale 29 m long, 50 mm inside diameter closed pipeline loop. The water-based slurries of various particle sizes ranging from <3.2-19.2 mm with slurry solid mass concentrations from 5-40% were pumped through the pipeline loop and the slurry samples were collected at varied pumping hours from the mixing and the drain tanks. Degraded biomass particle samples were oven-dried after 50-micron woven wire mesh filtration. A flatbed scanner scanned the particles, and ImageJ, an open-source software, analyzed the images. The study examined the effects of particle size, feedstock, concentration, and pumping time on particle shredding and an empirical particle degradation correlation for the input parameters to understand better biomass-water slurries' rheological behavior during pipeline transportation for large-scale biofuel production. T01-P05 | Activity | 2024-08-13 | Aidan Everett Richardson, Russell Flores, Kashif Javed, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Potential Techniques to Measure In Situ Rheological Properties of Biomass Slurries During Pipeline Hydro Transport for Large-Scale Biofuel Production The major objective of this study is to investigate the available literature for various conventional and fibrous slurry flows through pipelines to measure the in-situ slurry density, concentration and velocity profiles and capture real-time slurry flow images along with evaluating the identified techniques and recommend adaptable technologies compatible with lignocellulosic biomass slurries.
Based on this study, multiple techniques were identified, each presenting potential advantages and disadvantages. The initial characterization was grounded on the experimental objectives, feedstock type, particle size, slurry concentration, pipeline orientation and diameter, slurry flow regime, and anticipated outcomes of each technique. A qualitative evaluation was performed to select suitable techniques for measuring biomass slurry rheology and capturing photographic images. To uncover the untapped potential of biomass feedstock, this study aims to propose specific techniques that could be used for online measurement of various flow parameters for further investigating the slurry’s rheology.
T01-P05 | Activity | 2024-08-13 | "Wardatul Akman", Kashif Javed, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| The impact of flow parameters and pipe slopes on the frictional behaviour of Agricultural residue biomass-water slurries in uphill and downhill flows The main aim of the present study is to experimentally investigate the frictional characteristics of aqueous slurries composed of agricultural residue biomass as they flow through a 50 mm diameter and 7.3 m long inclined pipe section. This pipe section is part of a 29 m-long closed-circuit pipeline facility in the Large-Scale Fluids Lab. In addition, this study will investigate the impact of pipe inclinations in ascending (≤21°) and descending (≤7°) positions in relation to the horizontal axis, solid particle size (<3.2-19.2 mm), slurry solid mass concentration (5-40%), and slurry velocities (≤5.0 m s-1) on frictional pressure drops. The findings of this research will be utilized in constructing a comprehensive techno-economic framework for long-range pipelines connecting bio farms to large-scale biorefineries.
T01-P05 | Activity | 2024-07-28 | Kashif Javed, Russell Flores, Aidan Everett Richardson | T01-P05 |
| Climbing the flow ladder: experimental insights into maize stover hydro transport through inclined pipesThis study focuses on the experimental investigation of frictional pressure drops in maize stover-water slurries transported through a 50 mm diameter and 7.3 m long inclined pipe segment, which is part of a 29 m closed-circuit pipeline facility. Experiments will be conducted under varying inclination angles (up to 21° uphill and 7° downhill), solid particle sizes (<3.2–19.2 mm), slurry concentrations (5–40% by mass), and flow velocities (≤5.0 m s-1). Key findings will reveal the interplay between inclination, slurry rheology, and particle-fluid interactions, influencing energy consumption and pumping requirements.
The insights gained will provide critical input for developing a predictive model that integrates the effects of inclination on slurry behavior into the overall techno-economic framework for biomass pipeline networks. By bridging the knowledge gap in inclined pipe hydro transport, this research aims to accelerate the adoption of pipeline networks for biofuel feedstock delivery, enabling biorefineries to achieve economic parity with fossil fuel-based systems.
T01-P05 | Activity | 2025-07-14 | Kashif Javed, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Co-processing of bio-oil and crude oil in a conventional refinery: Cost and bio-carbon content assessments for different pathwaysT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | "Debarati Biswas", Ali Alizadeh, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of co-processing hydrodeoxygenated fast pyrolysis oil and vacuum gas oil in a fluid catalytic cracking unitT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-09-09 | Ali Alizadeh | T13-M01 |
| A review of the value-added chemicals and materials from bio-based lignin feedstocks.T13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Comparative energy and techno-economic analyses of two different configurations for hydrothermal carbonization of yard wasteT01-P05 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Techno-economic assessment of bio-coal production through wet and dry torrefaction processes of different biomass feedstocksDate: May 27-30, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T01-P05 | Activity | 2019-05-27 | Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Comparative life cycle energy and greenhouse gas footprints of dry and wet torrefaction processes of various biomass feedstocks• Electricity production from dry and wet torrefied of various biomasses is studied.
• The feedstocks include wheat straw, wood chips, grape pomace manure, and algae.
• NER and GHG emissions of the life cycle of electricity generation are evaluated.
• Pathways’ GHG emissions are compared with coal- and NG-based electricity generation.T13-M01 | Publication | 2021-05-08 | Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Oyedun, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| . Techno-economic assessment of wet and dry torrefaction of biomass feedstockT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-05-15 | Maryam Akbari, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of techno-economic model for the assessment of biorefinery for the production of bio-oil, ethanol, and hydrogenT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-02-26 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Renewable natural gas (RNG) production through various production processesT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Comparative techno-economic assessment of renewable natural gas (RNG) production pathways from various biomass feedstocksT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-07-06 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Conversion of Organic Waste to Value-added ProductsT01-P05, T13-M01 | Publication | 2019-09-23 | Maryam Akbari | T01-P05, T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic Assessment of renewable natural gas (RNG) production from various thermo-chemical and biological conversion processes using biomass feedstocks. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-04-27 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of techno-economic model for assessment of bio-hubs.T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-04-26 | Maryam Akbari, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a techno-economic model for assessment of an integrated pyrolysis and fermentation plants for production of bio-oil and ethanol. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-04-26 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of renewable aviation fuel production potential for Alberta. T01-F01 | Activity | 2021-05-11 | Roshni Mary Sebastian, Madhumita Patel, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| The development of data-intensive techno-economic models for the comparison of 5 biomass conversion pathways for the production of renewable natural gas. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-06-28 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions assessments of an integrated biorefinery producing bio-oil, ethanol, and hydrogenT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-12-07 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of the greenhouse gas emission footprint of a biorefinery over its life cycleAssessment of the greenhouse gas emission footprint of a biorefinery over its life cycleT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-10-17 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of an integrated biorefinery producing bio-oil, ethanol, and hydrogenTechno-economic assessment of an integrated biorefinery producing bio-oil, ethanol, and hydrogenT13-M01 | Publication | 2017-01-01 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Lignin biorefinery products, challenges and environmental impacts: A comprehensive reviewLignin biorefinery products, challenges and environmental impacts: A comprehensive reviewT13-M01 | Publication | 2017-01-01 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun | T13-M01 |
| The development of data-intensive techno-economic models for the comparison of renewable natural gas production from six different biomass feedstocks for the decarbonization of energy demand sectors(Under review as of May 2023)
The development of data-intensive techno-economic models for the comparison of renewable natural gas production from six different biomass feedstocks for the decarbonization of energy demand sectorsT13-M01 | Publication | 2023-04-11 | Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of bio-jet fuel production from alcoholsAssessment of bio-jet fuel production from alcohols. NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Research Chair in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering TAC MeetingT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-11-30 | "Dwivedi A", "Nayan N", Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of bio-jet fuel production from alcoholsAssessment of bio-jet fuel production from alcoholsT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-10-26 | "Nayan N", "Dwivedi A", Maryam Akbari, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A consequential life cycle assessment of biofuel production on transportation sectorJuly 7-10, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T01-P05 | Activity | 2019-07-07 | Nafisa Mahbub, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Development of Methodological Framework and its Application for Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Fuels for TransportationT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-07-25 | Nafisa Mahbub | T13-M01 |
| The life cycle greenhouse gas emission benefits from alternative uses of biofuel coproductsT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-08-30 | Nafisa Mahbub, Eskinder Gemechu, "H Zhang", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of life cycle environmental impacts of materials, driving pattern and climatic conditions on battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in a cold regionThis paper described:
• Life cycle assessment of conventional and CFRP-based BEVs and HFCVs in a cold climate.
• The prime factors considered for LCA such as materials, driving pattern, and climate.
Results on:
• Lowest GHG emissions: 68.7 g CO2 eq/km in CFRP-based BEV, city summer.
• Highest GHG emissions: 364 g CO2 eq/km in conventional HFCV, highway severe winter.
Other results highlight:
• GHG emissions are sensitive to BEV lifetime and HFCV fuel cell efficiency.T13-P04 | Publication | 2024-09-27 | Dipankar Khanna, Eskinder Gemechu, Nafisa Mahbub, Jubil Joy, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| How to model a complex national energy system? Developing an integrated energy systems framework for long-term energy and emissions analysisT13-P01, T13-M01 | Publication | 2019-04-23 | Matthew Davis, "Md. Ahiduzzaman", Amit Kumar | T13-P01, T13-M01 |
| The Development of a Technology-Explicit Bottom-Up Integrated Multi-Regional Energy Model of CanadaThe Development of a Technology-Explicit Bottom-Up Integrated Multi-Regional Energy Model of Canada, MSc Thesis, University of Alberta, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2017.T13-P01 | Publication | 2017-09-14 | Matthew Davis | T13-P01 |
| Development of disaggregated energy use and greenhouse gas emission footprints in Canada's iron, gold, and potash mining sectorsDevelopment of disaggregated energy use and greenhouse gas emission footprints in Canada's iron, gold, and potash mining sectors, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2020, 152: 104485. T13-P01 | Publication | 2019-10-05 | Anil-Kumar Katta, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Assessment of greenhouse gas mitigation options for the iron, gold, and potash mining sectorsKatta AK, Davis M, Kumar A. Assessment of greenhouse gas mitigation options for the iron, gold, and potash mining sectors, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019 (in press).T13-P01 | Publication | 2019-10-08 | Anil-Kumar Katta, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Evaluating long-term greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities through carbon capture, utilization, and storage in the oil sandsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-10-15 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| An assessment of opportunities for cogenerating electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the oil sandsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Greenhouse gas emission abatement potential and associated costs of integrating renewable and low carbon energy technologies into the Canadian oil sandsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-11-01 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of long-term GHG mitigation options for the Canadian oil sandsT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni | T13-M01 |
| Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System - Application to Canada.T13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | Matthew Davis, Ryan Janzen, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Long-term evaluation of carbon capture and low-carbon energy technologies in the oil sandsT13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A look into Canada’s future electricity grid greenhouse gas emissions factorsT13-M02 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | Matthew Davis, Ankit Gupta, "Muhammad Ahiduzzaman", Amit Kumar | T13-M02 |
| Assessment of greenhouse gas reduction options for Canada’s iron, gold, and potash mining sectors. T13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | Anil-Kumar Katta, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the potential impact and cost of using low carbon energy technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the oil sandsJune 3-4, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T13-M01 | Activity | 2019-06-03 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the impacts and costs of using low carbon energy technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the oil sandsT13-M01 | Activity | 2019-05-07 | Ryan Janzen, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| An integrated assessment framework for the decarbonization of the electricity generation sectorT13-P01, T13-M02 | Publication | 2021-04-15 | Ankit Gupta, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01, T13-M02 |
| Oil’s cost on water: bottom up modelling of Canada’s oil and gas sector water use and the effect of commodity priceT13-P01 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Ankit Gupta, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Water-use implications of low-carbon pathways in the oil and gas sectorT13-P01 | Activity | 2020-11-09 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Assessing present and future water flows in Canada with a focus on the energy supply sectorsAbstract accepted for presentation at CWRA 2020, June 15-18, 2020, Winnipeg, Canada. (conference cancelled due to COVID-19).T13-P01 | Activity | 2020-06-15 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Water-use implications of low carbon pathways in the oil and gas sectorNov 3-6, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T13-P01 | Activity | 2019-11-04 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| A framework to identify marginal electricity production technologies for consequential life cycle assessment: A case study of the electricity sector • A novel framework was developed to identify long-term marginal energy suppliers.
• 9 scenarios were formulated to assess the effects of policy decisions on the energy system.
• Wind energy generation shows significant penetration in all scenarios.
• Renewable energy penetration could lower the grid emissions up to 74.6 kg CO2 eq/MWh.
• Combined cycle and wind are the long-term marginal suppliers in Alberta’s grid transition.T13-C01 | Publication | 2021-07-15 | Tanveer Mehedi, Eskinder Gemechu, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Canada by 2050 what does it mean?T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-02-26 | Luke Sperry, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Water-use implications of low carbon pathways in the oil and gas sectorT13-P01 | Activity | 2021-02-26 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Developing a framework to assess the long-term environmental consequences of the transition to cleaner electricity generation: the case of AlbertaT13-M01, T13-M02 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Matthew Davis, Tanveer Mehedi, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01, T13-M02 |
| LEAP Canada: Pulp and paper energy and GHG analysisT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-08-31 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Technical potential of hydrogen and GHG emission in its transportation through natural gas pipelinesT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-07-30 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Giovanni DiLullo, Matthew Davis, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of energy efficiency cost curves: pulp & paper and iron & steel sectorsT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-05-11 | Christophe Owttrim, Saeidreza Radpour, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of renewable energy transition pathways for a fossil fuel-dependent electricity-producing jurisdictionT13-M02 | Publication | 2020-11-19 | Matthew Davis, "Adeoye Moronkeji", "Md Ahiduzzaman", Amit Kumar | T13-M02 |
| Quantitative Assessment of GHG and Water Footprints for Energy Scenarios. T13-M02 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Ankit Gupta, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M02 |
| Assessing decarbonization of the electricity supply sector through comprehensive integrated scenario analysis. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-05-17 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Green hydrogen production in Canada for export to Europe – An assessment of technical potential.T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-05-17 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of long-term forecasting model to assess current and future water flows in Canada for energy supply sectors. T13-P01 | Activity | 2021-05-31 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis | T13-P01 |
| A decarbonization assessment of Canada’s electricity generation sector. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-06-04 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of data-intensive models for the estimation of GHG intensity, cost and market shares of vehicles in the passenger and freight transportation sectors by 2050T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-06-28 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Projections of cost of ownership; GHG intensity; and market share of vehicles in the passenger and freight transportation sectors. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A decarbonization assessment of Canada's electricity generation sector. T13-M01, T13-M02 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01, T13-M02 |
| Water-use implications of low-carbon pathways in the oil sands. T13-P01 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Long-term energy transition in road transportation by 2050: a system-wide cost, market share, and greenhouse gas emission comparison of conventional, battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. T13-C01 | Activity | 2021-11-29 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Development of a bottom-up framework to determine energy efficiency contribution potential of more than 100 measures for meeting national net-zero GHG emissions. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-11-29 | Luke Sperry, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the cost competitiveness of electrolytic hydrogen production from small modular nuclear power plants. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-12-07 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Analysis of Canada’s water use: Tracing water flow from source to end useThis study provides estimates for disaggregated water use by regional subsectors and uses Sankey diagrams to depict the water flow from the intake to consumption and discharge. The study uses a bottom-up method in the oil and gas and hydropower sectors and top-down methods in the residential, commercial and institutional, manufacturing, mining, agricultural, and power sectors. Surface and groundwater are considered separately. Water use in the year 2017 was analyzed for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces, and the Territories. Water-use intensities were also calculated by region and sector. A total of 40 billion m3 of water use is traced from source to either discharge or consumption. New disaggregated data is developed provincially and by sector for oil and gas, mining, and power generation. Water use in the oil and gas sector was disaggregated into 5 subsectors, with oil sands surface mining in Alberta as the largest consumer with 138 million m3 of water consumed. Hydropower was estimated to consume the most water out of all sectors, with 3393 million m3 of water consumed. Alberta was also found to have the largest consumptive water use per capita.T13-P01 | Publication | 2021-11-09 | "Nikhil Agrawal", Thomas Edward Lamont Patrick, Matthew Davis, "Ahiduzzaman M", Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Assessment of greenhouse gas abatement scenarios for the pulp and paper sectorT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-12-07 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Canada by 2050 – what does it mean? T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-05-17 | Luke Sperry, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The technical and economic potential for improving energy efficiency in the Canadian pulp and paper sector. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-06-28 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Developing a techno-economic model to evaluate the cost performance of a zeolite 13X-based space heating systemA zeolite-based heating system charged with air solar collectors was designed.
A techno-economic model of the zeolite 13X space heating system was developed to estimate the storage cost.
The levelized cost of energy storage is $0.06 per kWh over a 20-year lifespan.
The estimated capital cost scale factor of the zeolite-based space heating system is 0.761.
Sensitivity analysis suggests that zeolite pellet diameter is one of the key inputs affecting the design and the cost.T13-P04 | Publication | 2021-09-06 | Ngoc Khanh Thy Tran, Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Development of technology-explicit energy saving bandwidths: a case study for the pulp and paper sector• Novel method to estimate the total technical potential for improving energy efficiency.
• Bottom-up sector energy model used to characterize energy demands and opportunities.
• Technology-explicit analysis framework used to estimate integrated energy savings.
• Application to Canada’s pulp & paper sector indicates major savings are possible.
• Technical potential to reduce natural gas use by 95% and net electricity by 54%T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-04-07 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of low-carbon hydrogen export from Western Canada to Eastern Canada, the USA, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe• The supply chain cost of H2 export from Alberta to viable destinations is assessed.
• Exporting H2 to the USA with new long-distance hydrogen pipelines costs 4.81/kg.
• Exporting hythane to the USA can reduce H2 delivered cost to $4.03/kg.
• Exporting H2 to Asia-Pacific and Europe costs $6.65/kg and $8.18/kg, respectively.
• Exporting ammonia can reduce the overseas H2 delivered cost by over 25%.T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-01-06 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Matthew Davis, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The greenhouse gas reduction potential and cost-effectiveness of economy-wide hydrogen-natural gas blending for energy end usesThe greenhouse gas reduction potential and cost-effectiveness of economy-wide hydrogen-natural gas blending for energy end usesT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-11-08 | Matthew Davis, Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Giovanni DiLullo, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of a GIS-based framework to assess the technical hydrogen production potential from wind and solar energyThe development of a GIS-based framework to assess the technical hydrogen production potential from wind and solar energyT13-P04 | Publication | 2022-06-04 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Energy efficiency as a critical resource to achieve carbon neutrality in pulp and paper sectorEnergy efficiency as a critical resource to achieve carbon neutrality in pulp and paper sectorT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-05-05 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, H U Shafique, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of techno-economic models for the assessment of low-carbon hydrogen export from Western Canada to Eastern Canada, the USA, the Asia-Pacific, and EuropeThe development of techno-economic models for the assessment of low-carbon hydrogen export from Western Canada to Eastern Canada, the USA, the Asia-Pacific, and EuropeT13-M01 | Publication | 2017-01-01 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Matthew Davis, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the cost competitiveness of electrolytic hydrogen production from small modular nuclear reactor-based power plants: a price-following perspectiveAssessing the cost competitiveness of electrolytic hydrogen production from small modular nuclear reactor-based power plants: a price-following perspectiveT13-P04 | Publication | 2023-04-11 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| A novel technology-explicit framework for predicting the efficiency of industrial device retrofits in stock turnover models for the pulp and paper sector(Under review as of May 2023)
A novel technology-explicit framework for predicting the efficiency of industrial device retrofits in stock turnover models for the pulp and paper sectorT13-M01 | Publication | 2023-04-11 | Christophe Owttrim, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Long-term integrated assessment of water and GHG impacts of a transition to low-carbon unconventional oil extraction.Long-term integrated assessment of water and GHG impacts of a transition to low-carbon unconventional oil extraction. NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Research Chair in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering TAC MeetingT13-P01 | Activity | 2022-11-30 | Gustavo Moraes Coraca, Amit Kumar, Matthew Davis | T13-P01 |
| Net-zero pathways for cement sectorT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-08-11 | "Clark G", Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the value of electrolytic hydrogen in power sectors for reversible gas-to-power conversion and emissions reductionAssessing the value of electrolytic hydrogen in power sectors for reversible gas-to-power conversion and emissions reductionT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-08-11 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of decarbonizing the road transportation sector using low carbon fuelsAssessment of decarbonizing the road transportation sector using low carbon fuelsT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-08-11 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of an economy-wide decarbonization assessment framework for an emission intensive and a net energy exporting jurisdiction.Development of an economy-wide decarbonization assessment framework for an emission intensive and a net energy exporting jurisdiction.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-08-11 | Luke Sperry, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Can low-carbon hydrogen from Canada be competitive in international markets?Can low-carbon hydrogen from Canada be competitive in international markets?T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-06-04 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Matthew Davis, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Decarbonization of the electricity supply sector through development of energy systems model.Decarbonization of the electricity supply sector through development of energy systems model.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-25 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessing the value of electrolytic hydrogen in power sectors for reversible gas-to-power conversion and emissions reduction.Assessing the value of electrolytic hydrogen in power sectors for reversible gas-to-power conversion and emissions reduction.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-25 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Is there a value for low carbon hydrogen exports from Alberta, Canada in international markets?Is there a value for low carbon hydrogen exports from Alberta, Canada in international markets?T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-04-27 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Matthew Davis, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Comparative cost and greenhouse gas emission assessment of land-based hydrogen transportation systems.Comparative cost and greenhouse gas emission assessment of land-based hydrogen transportation systems.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-04-27 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Tanveer Mehedi, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| How effective is hydrogen-natural gas blending at reducing greenhouse gas emissions?How effective is hydrogen-natural gas blending at reducing greenhouse gas emissions?T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-04-27 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Greenhouse gas intensity and share of low-carbon technology vehicles in 2050.Greenhouse gas intensity and share of low-carbon technology vehicles in 2050.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-04-26 | Minza Haider, Amit Kumar, Matthew Davis | T13-M01 |
| Technology-based Options for Achieving Net-zero GHG Emissions in CanadaWe have developed a framework for accounting and assessing technology-specific measures toward achieving net-zero GHG emissions within a multi-regional multi-sectoral economy based on a bottom-up energy model featuring high technological detail. This framework allows for system-wide effects and costs to be assessed incrementally and can facilitate regional decarbonization policy development. This framework indicates the gaps between currently available technologies and GHG emissions goals; other approaches may blur the line between current and aspirational technologies.
We used this framework to perform a case study for Canada, where we established a portfolio of 184 measures based on a thorough review, and, after categorizing them according to type and technological readiness, evaluated their economic and environmental performance. We compared the effects of these measures to static reference and business-as-usual scenarios reflective of current policy. Together, the assessed measures represent an extensive portfolio of commercially available opportunities for energy efficiency improvement, fuel-switching, and carbon capture and storage. The results show the magnitude of the gaps between national GHG reduction ambitions and currently available solutions and highlight the need for more transparent and credible approaches to economy-wide decarbonization assessment.
T13-P01 | Activity | 2023-06-03 | Luke Sperry, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Evaluation of using Alberta hydrogen for clean-firm power in decarbonized power gridsWe evaluated the role that hydrogen can play in achieving a decarbonized power grid. Seventy-two scenarios were explored, and we assessed the greenhouse gas reduction potential of these scenarios, as well as their costs. Our research demonstrates that hydrogen for clean, firm power can effectively provide clean electricity and reduce emissions. However, the source of hydrogen is critical to achieving GHG reductions in the province. We also found that using hydrogen for clean, firm power can create economic benefits, such as investment in infrastructure and jobs. However, this could lead to unwanted increases in electricity prices. Blue hydrogen-based power is not economical in a grid-like we have today, but it can be a competitive option in a nearly decarbonized grid, but only if fueled by ATR with CCS. Finally, hydrogen in the power sector is just one option to reduce emissions. Out of the options assessed in our group, other options are available at lower costs that provide deeper emission cuts, and these should be compared before making decisions.T13-P01 | Activity | 2023-04-25 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| A strategy assessment to decarbonize road transport in AlbertaThe objective of this work is to contribute to finding answers to key questions for the decarbonization of road transport in Alberta. These questions are: 1) What is the GHG mitigation potential of hydrogen vehicles? 2) What’s the market share of hydrogen vehicles in different sectors? 3) What is the impact of policies like carbon price, zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) sales mandate, and incentivization? Our study found that the ZEV sales mandate is the most effective way of transitioning the road transportation sector to ZEVs. The market shares of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were found to be highest in 2050. Carbon price and incentivization do not have a significant effect on the cost or market share of ZEVs and in decreasing energy demand and GHG emissions. The emission factors of H2-FCEV ATR with 91% carbon capture are lowest at lower carbon prices. The carbon price scenarios have the most significant impact of all the scenarios on social costs.T13-P04 | Activity | 2023-04-26 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Development of a framework to assess the greenhouse gas mitigation potential from the adoption of low-carbon road vehicles in a hydrocarbon-rich regionThis study developed a novel assessment framework to analyze long-term energy transition in the road transport sector in which various technology options, market shares, policy measures, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions are considered in a single framework analysis. A data-intensive model was developed with the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and used to analyze policy scenarios up to 2050 for Alberta, Canada, a hydrocarbon-rich province with an emission-intensive energy sector. Three key policy measures – carbon pricing, zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, and incentivization – were analyzed in nine individual and combined policy scenarios. The transition to both hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles was assessed for
all vehicle categories. Each fuel’s full energy supply chain was modeled, including resource extraction, conversion, transmission and distribution, and fuelling, allowing for final and primary energy analysis. The findings show that carbon price and zero-emission vehicle incentives do not effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions on their own; zero-emission vehicle mandates are needed to transition the sector to a low-carbon energy system. The system-wide greenhouse gas emission footprints of hydrogen and battery electric vehicles are significantly below conventional vehicles in all cases. Scenarios biased towards battery electric vehicles had the most favorable results. The greenhouse gas emission footprint of hydrogen vehicles supplied by auto-thermal
reforming with 91% carbon capture was lower than for battery electric vehicles powered by a primarily natural gas-based power grid. The findings on the effectiveness of carbon prices, incentives, and vehicle mandates should be considered by government policymakers aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure planners, and other energy stakeholders.T13-P04 | Publication | 2024-01-12 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Long-term integrated assessment of the water, GHG, and cost impacts of a transition to low-carbon hydrogen productionHydrogen-based greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation strategies can have multi-sector benefits and are considered necessary to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Assessments of hydrogen scale-up have not included long-term implications for water resources. This work aims to fill this knowledge gap through a long-term integrated assessment of the water consumption, GHG emissions, and costs of conventional and low-carbon hydrogen scenarios to the year 2050. A framework was developed and 120 long-term scenarios were assessed for the large-scale deployment of low-carbon hydrogen in a hydrogen-intensive economy. This study considered 15 different natural gas- and electrolysis-based hydrogen production technologies. A case study for Alberta, a western Canadian province and a fossil fuel-intensive region, was carried out. The results obtained project a cumulative mitigation of 9–162 million tonnes of carbon emissions between 2026 and 2050 through the implementation of low-carbon hydrogen production scenarios compared to the business-as-usual scenario. However, cumulative water consumption increases considerably with the large-scale deployment of low-carbon hydrogen, reaching 8 to 3815 million cubic meters. The adoption of green hydrogen technologies increases water consumption significantly. Depending on the jurisdiction of analysis and its water bodies, this increase may or may not be a long-term issue. Low-carbon hydrogen scenarios start becoming cost-effective as the carbon price rises to $170/tCO2e. The developed integrated framework can be used globally to assess long-term hydrogen implementation with appropriate adjustments in data.T13-P01 | Publication | 2025-01-16 | Gustavo Moraes Coraca, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| The development of a framework to compare carbon capture and storage technologies as means of decarbonizing cement productionCement production is hard to abate given that energy-efficiency measures and fuel switching have no impact on process emissions and a limited impact on total greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative cements and decarbonized raw materials can reduce process emissions; however, complete decarbonization requires carbon capture. Yet, most decarbonization roadmaps and studies generalize carbon capture without acknowledging differences between the technologies or regions in which they are implemented. To address this gap, we developed a bottom- up technology-explicit model of the cement sector to compare six technologies: chemical absorption, physical adsorption, membrane absorption, calcium looping, partial oxyfuel technology, and full oxyfuel technology. We explored energy and greenhouse gas impacts, capital costs, non-energy operating costs, energy costs, and carbon costs. A case study for Canada demonstrated that carbon capture technologies can be implemented at emissions abatement costs of 22 to 1 CAD/t CO 2 e, accounting for carbon price credits. Our findings show that energy can account for up to 81 % of the total costs, eroding the benefit of avoided carbon costs and increasing sensitivity to energy prices. However, carbon pricing still strongly influences the economics of carbon capture technologies and a minimum carbon price of 90 CAD/t CO 2 e by 2030 ensures carbon capture remains economical across Canada. The developed framework can used globally to help develop policy formulation and inform investment.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-03-04 | "Garret Clark", Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| A scenario-based approach to understanding the technical and economic potential of decarbonizing the cement sectorGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cement production have risen and have continued to rise globally, and in Canada. In this study, using a bottom-up accounting and systems-based model we evaluate the GHG emissions mitigation potential and the abatement cost of technologies spanning several decarbonization categories from 2020 to 2050. We also establish multiple carbon-neutral scenarios for the cement sector, based on a variety of criteria, including maximum emissions reduction and low abatement cost technologies. Our results demonstrate that carbon-neutral cement production is possible with abatement costs ranging from -17 to -34 CAD/t CO2e based on Canada’s current carbon price schedule. However, we observed a trade-off between economic attractiveness and total GHG mitigation potential. The impact of changing carbon prices on abatement costs was also evaluated nationally and provincially, with breakeven carbon prices ranging from less than 50 CAD/t CO2e to 140 CAD/t CO2e by 2030. We found that up to 96% of annual GHG emissions can be mitigated through technological means, but the impacts of carbonation, or a similar offset must be considered to achieve neutrality. Finally, carbon capture was found to play a significant role in mitigating GHG emissions across all scenarios. T13-P04 | Activity | 2024-05-30 | Matthew Davis, "Garret Clark", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Can hydrogen production through small modular reactor-powered electrolysis be cost competitive against conventional hydrogen? This work analyzed the supply cost of electrolytic hydrogen production from SMNRPPs to be competitive with alternative low-cost hydrogen production options to justify the long-term adoption potential. We also expanded the research to determine how long it will take for the SMNRPP-electrolysis process to become the lowest-cost hydrogen production pathway when competing with natural gas-based hydrogen production options in Canada.
To tackle the mentioned objectives, we developed a unique framework based on economic dispatch optimization, levelized cost modelling, and uncertainty analysis to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of hydrogen production from a price-following SMNRPP paired with proton exchange membrane electrolyzers.
The findings from the study showed that hydrogen supply from the price-following SMNPP-electrolysis system can compete with carbon capture integrated steam methane reforming and autothermal reforming of natural gas predetermines the selling price of hydrogen if electricity price arbitrage in the hydrogen market and electricity system are prioritized over in the long term. Furthermore, allowing small modular nuclear power plants to participate simultaneously in the electricity system and gaseous hydrogen production market can significantly decrease hydrogen production costs from the SMNRPP-electrolysis system such that the pathway emerges as the cheapest option in Canada in less than 13 years of consistent deployment.T13-P04 | Activity | 2024-04-23 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Toward Sustainable Hydrogen Production: Linking Cost, Carbon, and Water ImpactsThe objective of this work is to project long-term (to year 2050) natural gas- and electrolysis-based hydrogen production and evaluate the associated water consumption, GHG emissions, and costs. The geographical scope is Alberta, economy-wide hydrogen demand and supply is considered, and 15 different natural gas- and electrolysis-based hydrogen production technologies are modelled.
The results obtained project a cumulative mitigation of up to 162 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2050. Natural gas with CCS-based and electrolysis-based hydrogen production technologies, especially electrolysis, increase the total water consumption significantly. Depending on the jurisdiction of hydrogen production and its water bodies, this increase could be a long-term issue. A preliminary assessment suggests Alberta’s available water resources are sufficient to provide water to support low-carbon hydrogen deployment while also providing required water for other activities, however, this requires more rigorous modelling to confirm and is a recommended area for further research. In Alberta, autothermal reforming technology is projected to be most cost effective over the long term.T13-P01 | Activity | 2024-04-23 | Matthew Davis, Gustavo Moraes Coraca, Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| A framework for analyzing the market penetration for low-carbon road vehiclesThis study assesses pathways for transitioning to low-carbon energy in road transport in a fossil fuel-dependent jurisdiction. A novel assessment framework was developed and applied to road transport to analyze the transition in the sector considering sector activity, vehicle costs, and market shares to 2050. Seven fuel technologies and ten vehicle categories including hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles were examined across all sectors. Nine scenarios that incorporate three policy pathways – financial incentives, zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates, and carbon prices – were evaluated. Different scenarios within these pathways were explored and their impact on vehicle costs and market shares to 2050 were evaluated. A case study focused on Alberta, a fossil fuel-intensive province in Canada, was performed using the developed framework. Results indicate carbon pricing and ZEV incentives alone are insufficient for significant ZEV adoption by 2050. Without a zero-emission vehicle policy, hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric passenger vehicles are projected to have market shares of 16 % and 31 % by 2050, respectively. With a 100 % zero-emission vehicle sales mandate by 2035, these shares rise to 36 % and 64 %, respectively, by 2050. The findings on the effectiveness of policy frameworks can be considered for policy development to mitigate greenhouse gases emissions from the road transportation sector and will inform infrastructure planners and other energy stakeholders. The developed framework can be applied internationally to assess the transport sector.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-06-01 | Minza Haider, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Multi-measure pathways for achieving carbon-neutral cement productionGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cement production continue to rise, making it the second-largest source of industrial GHG emissions. In this study, we develop a framework to evaluate several decarbonization technologies and scenarios to achieve carbon-neutral cement production. A case study for Canada was conducted using this developed framework. Decarbonization technologies are grouped into six categories (energy efficiency, fuel switching, alternative raw materials, alternative binders and chemistries, carbon capture and storage, and cement carbonation) and each is evaluated using a bottom-up technology-explicit energy model. The results show that carbon-neutral cement production can be achieved before 2050 with marginal abatement costs of −17 to −34 CAD/t CO2e and cumulative GHG emissions reductions of 199–242 Mt. CO2e, based on a carbon price of 170 CAD/t CO2 by 2030. The results are comparable to roadmaps from other jurisdictions but with some important distinctions. Canada continues to have a higher clinker/cement ratio and lower alternative fuel consumption than other jurisdictions, meaning carbon capture and storage is expected to play a larger role in reducing GHG emissions. Furthermore, carbon neutrality cannot be achieved without carbonation or a similar offset. Therefore, it is important that all cement-producing regions begin formalizing a framework to guide the calculation of carbonation impacts and compile the information to support those calculations. Finally, a sensitivity analysis concluded that carbon pricing is required in every carbon-neutral scenario to achieve negative GHG emissions abatement costs.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-06-05 | "Garrett Clark", Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Assessment of low-carbon hydrogen integration into natural gas energy systems beyond blending: An analysis of pure H2 communities in a natural gas-dependent regionHydrogen communities are an emerging concept that could significantly help reduce carbon emissions and support the pursuit of net-zero goals. This study assesses the integration of low-carbon hydrogen into residential and commercial natural gas energy systems, focusing on the environmental impact and economic viability of pure hydrogen communities. Hydrogen production through autothermal reforming with carbon capture and storage and grid electrolysis are analysed through policy-driven and cost-driven deployment approaches. A bottom-up model of Alberta's energy supply and demand system (LEAP-Canada) is used to assess 32 scenarios set between 2030 and 2050. This study also develops a cost factor through a bottom-up cost analysis of hydrogen furnaces, water heaters, and ranges in comparison to natural gas counterparts. Results show that the cost of transitioning to hydrogen communities is significant compared to natural gas baselines, even with carbon pricing up to 350 CAD/tonne. Policy-driven hydrogen communities with 250,000 hydrogen homes and 8 million square meters of commercial area avoid up to 13 million tonnes CO2eq with a marginal abatement cost of 99 CAD/tonne after considering carbon credits of 350 CAD/tonne. In contrast, cost-based market penetration of hydrogen homes and buildings achieve low penetration with low mitigation. Further, grid electrolysis scenarios exhibit substantially higher marginal abatement costs (over 400 CAD/tonne CO2eq). While transitioning natural gas communities to hydrogen can contribute to decarbonization goals, the marginal costs of abatement are high, indicating alternative decarbonization means should be investigated and compared prior to policy decisions. The modeling framework is adaptable to other regions and offers valuable insights for policy makers and stakeholders.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-08-01 | Shibani, Matthew Davis, Saeidreza Radpour, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| An assessment of the long-term water, greenhouse gas, and cost impacts of low-carbon in situ oil sands technologies The oil sands sector is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 11.3 % of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. In the next 30 years, bitumen production is expected to increase by 1.2 million cubic meters per year, representing a 42 % increase from the 2020 production level; therefore, advancing low-carbon oil sands extraction technologies is critical. While many strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the oil sands sector have been proposed, there are few assessments of associated water-use impacts. To fill this knowledge gap, this research builds on a novel data-intensive and technology-specific model of the in situ bitumen extraction sector in Canada developed to determine the long-term water and greenhouse gas footprints of the penetration of emerging low-carbon oil sands recovery technologies. The market penetration of seven novel low-carbon and three conventional in situ bitumen extraction techniques through four different technology mix scenarios between 2020 and 2050 were considered. The results show maximum water savings and GHG abatement potential in 2050 of 7 % and 17 %, respectively, at a $59/cubic meter water savings cost and a $32/tonne carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas abatement cost in a high carbon tax scenario. Total water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach 43.8 million cubic meters and 49.9 million tonnes in 2050 under the scenario that best reduces water use and emissions. Although freshwater use from in situ recovery is 0.05 % of the Athabasca River flow, projected annual emissions from the oil sands industry are significant, thus further efforts are needed to meet Canada’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-06-25 | Gustavo Moraes Coraca, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Assessment of carbon-abatement pricing to maximize the value of electrolytic hydrogen in emissions-intensive power sectors, Electrolytic hydrogen can support the decarbonization of the power sector. Achieving cost-effective power-to-gas-to-power (PGP) integration through targeted emissions pricing can accelerate the adoption of electrolytic hydrogen in greenhouse gas-intensive power sectors. This study develops a framework for assessing the economic viability of electrolytic hydrogen-based PGP systems in fossil fuel-dependent grids, while considering the competing objectives of the electricity system operator, a risk-averse investor, and the government. Here we show that, given the risk-averse investor’s inherent pursuit of profit maximization, a break-even carbon abatement cost of at least 57 Canadian Dollars per tonne of CO₂ by 2030 from the government, with a shift in electricity market dispatch rules from sole system marginal price-reduction to system-wide emissions reduction, is essential to stimulate price discovery for low-cost hydrogen production and contingency reserve provision by the PGP system. This work can help policymakers capture and incentivize the role of electrolytic hydrogen in low-carbon power sector planning.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-08-28 | "Ayodeji Okunlola", Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Is there a role for firm hydrogen-based electricity in future energy systems? A comparative analysis of firm low-carbon electricity optionsGlobal electricity demand is expected to double as economies decarbonize, posing a dual challenge for fossil-based electricity systems: meet rising demands and transition to low-carbon technologies. Initiatives around the world have begun exploring the use of low-carbon hydrogen in electricity systems; however, research on blue hydrogen in different grid contexts is limited. This paper analyzes blue hydrogen-based firm low-carbon electricity and compares it with alternatives of green hydrogen, nuclear, and natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS). A new analysis framework and long-term energy-systems model are applied to Alberta, Canada, a jurisdiction with heavy reliance on natural gas. Ninety-two scenarios representing different technology mixes, technology costs, and carbon pricing were analyzed from 2025 to 2050. Of the technologies to supply blue hydrogen, autothermal reforming (ATR) was the most effective considering cumulative cost and GHG abatement together; however, all assessed alternatives to blue hydrogen were more effective. ATRCCS-based scenarios reduced cumulative system-wide emissions by less than 5 % by 2050, and had the highest marginal abatement costs ($161–$371/t), whereas natural gas with CCS scenarios reduced at least two times more emissions at lower marginal abatement costs ($7–$86/t). The next lowest MACs were from nuclear scenarios ($64–$94/t), then green hydrogen scenarios ($102–$107/t), with 37–39 % and 29–42 % of emissions abatement, respectively. Overall, findings suggest a limited and low-value role for blue hydrogen in future electricity systems, given the available alternatives for providing low-carbon firm electricity. These findings should be considered by decision makers when developing policy, allocating funding, and designing technology support mechanisms.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-10-30 | Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of an analysis framework for the integration of low-carbon hydrogen into multi-regional natural gas energy systemsIn 2023, global carbon dioxide emissions reached 40 billion tonnes, 60 % more than in 1990, intensifying climate concerns. This study explores hydrogen-natural gas blending as a transitional strategy for decarbonization across several regions and energy sectors – residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. A multi-regional analysis framework evaluates integration of 20 % by volume low-carbon hydrogen blending into natural gas systems, by identifying hydrogen producers, importers, and exporters based on production and import costs. Applied to Canada, 528 scenarios (2026–2050) assess inter-regional hydrogen trade within Canadian provinces. The lowest-cost scenario involves Alberta exporting hydrogen produced through autothermal reforming with 91 % carbon capture and storage and British Columbia producing its own. The grid electrolysis scenario achieves the highest GHG reductions, with a 4.5 % GHG mitigation in Canada with full energy system representation. These findings provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders in advancing hydrogen infrastructure and decarbonization strategies.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-11-10 | Shibani, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of a framework to assess long-term water supply and demand projections for an integrated assessment of environment impacts for the energy sectorThis paper aims to develop a framework for assessing cross-sectoral water demand over a long-term planning horizon using a Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model for the energy sector and integrating it with the assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This framework spatially associates surface and ground water supply resources with sectoral water demand between 2005 and 2050. The developed framework uses a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach for linking water use in the municipal, commercial, oil and gas, power, industrial, and agriculture sectors with their water sources. Annual water use associated with future changes in population, oil sands production (in situ and surface mining), power generation fuels and technologies, and agricultural and livestock population is quantified. A case study for Alberta was conducted. Eleven future scenarios were evaluated, and model results show that the water demand might increase by 11–25% from the 2020 demand by 2050. The developed framework can be used to provide insights into patterns of water demand and supply for the energy sector as well as other sectors in different scenarios and can be integrated with assessments of GHG emissions, which can aid in decision-making at the provincial and national levels. This framework can be used for other jurisdictions.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-10-22 | Anum Fahim Dar, "Thomas Patrick", Md Alam Hossain Mondal, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of a framework to assess the sectoral penetration of small modular nuclear reactors in electrolysis-based ammonia productionElectrolytic hydrogen can help decarbonize emissions-intensive sectors, such as ammonia production, where electrification is challenging. However, there is limited information on penetration pathways for small modular nuclear reactor-based electrolytic ammonia (SMNRPP-NH3). This study introduces a framework for modelling the adoption of SMNRPP-NH3 systems and evaluates its potential to displace conventional ammonia. A case study of Alberta, Canada, showed that with a carbon price of $170/tCO2, SMNRPP-NH3 systems can meet 75% of the regional ammonia demand by 2050 at a levelized cost of $420/tNH3, which is 16% lower than natural gas-based ammonia. High technology learning rates, capital cost reductions, and accelerated deployment had more significant effects on the penetration than the GHG footprint of the conventional ammonia. The study findings can inform policy formulation and long-term investment planning to support the integration of electrolysis in the ammonia production sector. The developed framework can also be replicated globally with appropriate adjustments to the data.T13-P04 | Publication | 2026-04-06 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of a differential pricing mechanism for the electrolytic hydrogen-based gas-to-power systems in the power sectorElectrolytic hydrogen could support low-carbon energy systems planning, particularly through power-to-gas-to-power (PtG-GtP) operations in the power sector. However, achieving long-term economic viability has remained uncertain, and limited research exists on how to incentivize PtG-GtP systems for value provided to the electricity system. This study develops a novel framework to derive a differential pricing (DP) incentive that supports the incremental deployment of PtG-GtP systems in an electricity system undergoing a low-carbon transition. The DP incentive is defined by the difference in electricity marginal prices between a cost-minimizing objective and a risk-averse goal that prioritizes reversible electrolytic hydrogen use. Applying the DP incentive lowers the PtG-GtP system's levelized cost to C$6/kg H₂, six times lower than without the incentive, while also contributing to reductions in reserve market cost. The study's findings hold under a stepwise, incremental approach to deploying multiple PtG-GtP systems over the long term.T13-P04 | Publication | 2026-04-16 | " Ayodeji Ayodeji Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Evaluation of hydrogen vs heat pumps for space heating across Canada This study assesses the efficiency, cost, and feasibility of heat pumps and hydrogen as strategies for decarbonizing residential and commercial space heating across Canada’s provinces. It employs the LEAP-Canada energy systems model to simulate long-term energy transition scenarios through 2075. It evaluates the marginal abatement costs, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure requirements associated with adopting heat pumps and/or hydrogen for space heating. The analysis compares the marginal abatement costs, infrastructure demands, and cost-effectiveness of heat pumps versus hydrogen. It also assesses the GHG reduction potential, operational performance across provinces, and the role of backup heating for heat pumps. Additionally, it compares the heating costs for typical homes using both technologies. Novel/Additive Information: This research addresses a critical gap in Canada-specific analysis of space heating decarbonization by focusing on the deployment of heat pumps and hydrogen. It provides valuable insights to support policymakers and stakeholders in formulating effective decarbonization strategies for the building sector nationwide.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-04-22 | Matthew Davis, Shibani, Saeidreza Radpour, Olugbenga Fakayode, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| A framework for trade through integration of low-carbon hydrogen into multi-regional natural gas systems The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive framework for integrating low-carbon hydrogen into multi-regional natural gas energy systems through hydrogen-natural gas blending. This study aims to reduce the carbon intensity of energy use across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors, facilitating the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy. Specifically, the framework will identify hydrogen production, transmission, and trade opportunities between regions, applying a 20% hydrogen blending strategy into existing natural gas infrastructure. Additionally, this study includes analyzing the greenhouse gas reduction potential and economic impacts of blending low-carbon hydrogen. Three distinct low-carbon hydrogen trade regimes were developed to analyze hydrogen production and transmission across Canadian provinces. A set of 528 long-term scenarios were modeled for large-scale integration of low-carbon hydrogen into Canada's natural gas energy systems, addressing hydrogen supply across all sectors. These scenarios were considered varying hydrogen production technologies, trade regimes, and carbon policies across regions and sectors analyzed through a robust bottom-up systems approach. The impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy system costs were calculated and compared for all the scenarios, providing critical insights into the potential for decarbonization and economic implications. This study develops a multi-regional framework and identifies ATR-CCS as cost-effective for hydrogen production in natural gas-rich regions like Alberta and British Columbia, while grid electrolysis is suited to areas with low-emission electricity, such as British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-04-22 | Shibani, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Can hydrogen and ammonia production through small modular reactor-powered electrolysis be cost-competitive against fossil fuel-based hydrogen in Canada?This research focuses on the cost-effectiveness of small modular nuclear reactor power plants (SMNRPP)-powered electrolysis for H2 and ammonia production and their competitiveness with alternative options to justify the long-term adoption potential. To achieve this objective, we developed a unique framework that performs a cost-effectiveness analysis of hydrogen production from a price-following SMNRPP paired with proton exchange membrane electrolyzers using economic dispatch optimization, levelized cost modelling, and uncertainty-sensitivity analysis techniques.
The study findings showed that permitting the SMNRPPs to participate simultaneously in the electricity system and gaseous hydrogen market significantly decreases hydrogen supply costs from the SMNRPP-electrolysis system such that the pathway emerges as the cheapest option in Canada in less than 13 years of consistent deployment. The calibration of the framework for fossil fuel-rich Alberta also revealed that an ammonia supply cost as low as $500/tNH3 by 2050 is realizable if electricity system price arbitrage by the SMNRPP is accompanied by conditional grid purchases through a novel annual matching strategy, making the electrolytic ammonia cost-competitive with carbon capture-integrated natural gas-based ammonia production in the future. The study outcomes are critical for decision-makers.
T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-05-30 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola, Matthew Davis, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Assessments of technologies developed under future energy systemsT13-P04 | Activity | 2018-10-03 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar, Evan G R Davies | T13-P04 |
| How to assess the life cycle sustainability of technologies for future energy system?T13-P04 | Activity | 2018-09-25 | Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions of upgrading and refining bitumen from the solvent extraction processT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-04-23 | Mohammad Ikthair Hossain Soiket, Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of net energy ratio and life cycle assessment of large-scale energy storage systemsT13-M01 | Publication | 2018-12-26 | "Sahil Kapila", Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle assessment of energy systems transitionT13-C01 | Activity | 2019-03-21 | Tanveer Mehedi, Alex Bradley, Eskinder Gemechu, Joule Bergerson, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Life cycle assessment of energy systems transitionT13-C01 | Activity | 2018-10-03 | Tanveer Mehedi, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar, Alex Bradley, Joule Bergerson | T13-C01 |
| Chapter 12: The environmental performance of hydrogen production pathways based on renewable sourcesT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-13 | Amit Kumar, Eskinder Gemechu | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle assessment to evaluate environmental performance of thermochemical processing of biomassT01-P05 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Eskinder Gemechu, Adetoyese Oyedun, Edson Nogueira Jr, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Developing a greenhouse gas life cycle assessment framework for natural gas transmission pipelinesT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Giovanni DiLullo, Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Key factors affecting greenhouse gas emissions in Canada’s industrial sector: A decomposition analysisT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Ali Talaei, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Evaluating energy and greenhouse gas emission footprints of thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power applicationsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | "Spandan Thaker", Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Extending sensitivity analysis using regression to effectively disseminate life cycle assessment resultsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Giovanni DiLullo, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Evaluation of energy and greenhouse gas emissions of bitumen-derived fuels from toe-to-heel air injection extraction technologyT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Mohsen Safaei, Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Evaluation of energy and GHG emissions’ footprints of bitumen extraction using Enhanced Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic heating technologyT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Mohsen Safaei, Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of energy storage technologies: a literature review; formerly Techno-economic and life cycle assessments of electrical energy storage technologies: a literature reviewT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of rigorous refining model simulation models to determine the greenhouse gas emission impact of Canadian crude oil blends in a refineryNov 11-15, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T13-M01 | Activity | 2019-11-11 | Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Application of artificial intelligence to estimate life cycle GHG emissions in the production of transportation fuels from bitumenT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | Giovanni DiLullo, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of techno-economic and greenhouse gas emissions models for the assessment of valuable metals recovery from the oil sandsT13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | "Miguel Barritto", Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle assessment of mono-crystalline TiO2 nanorod array based halide perovskite solar cellsT12-P02, T13-P04 | Activity | 2019-05-07 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar, Karthik Shankar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Life cycle assessment of energy system transitionsT13-C01 | Activity | 2019-05-07 | Tanveer Mehedi, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Life Cycle Assessment of Monocrystalline TiO2 Nanorod Array Based Halide Perovskite Solar CellsT13-P04 | Activity | 2020-05-10 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar, Karthik Shankar | T13-P04 |
| Renewable-Energy-Driven Future: Technologies, Applications, Sustainability and PoliciesT13-M01 | Publication | 2021-05-13 | Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a framework for the assessment of the market penetration of novel in situ bitumen extraction technologiesGreenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation opportunities from emerging in situ mining technologies in oil sands production can play a role in reducing global warming. There is limited research on quantitative assessments of the penetration of emerging oil sands technology in the energy sector. This study addresses this gap by developing a novel framework (MAPL-OET) to assess the market penetration of emerging oil sand extraction technologies. The framework is robust and data-intensive as it combines diffusion models, econometrics models, cost models, and energy-economy equilibrium models. The combined model evaluates the adoption of new energy technologies resulting from carbon price measures and other economic factors, as well as the GHG mitigation potential in the oil sands sector. T13-M01 | Publication | 2020-12-19 | Saeidreza Radpour, Eskinder Gemechu, "Md Ahiduzzaman", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and energy footprints of utility-scale solar energy systems T13-C01 | Publication | 2022-03-25 | Tanveer Mehedi, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of titanium dioxide nanorod-based perovskite solar cells: from lab-scale to large-scale manufacturing Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown remarkable progress in recent years. Different materials and structures have been developed to improve the photoconversion efficiency and operational stability of PSCs. However, the economic and technical impacts of materials and design choice on the large-scale deployment are not well addressed in the literature. In this research, a pathway for producing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod-based perovskite solar modules was established and their manufacturing cost was estimated through the development of data-intensive, bottom-up techno-economic models. Material, utilities, and equipment requirements from available laboratory data to a mass production annual capacity of up to 21 MW were estimated through the development of scale factors. The minimum sustainable price and levelized cost of electricity were calculated. The direct manufacturing cost of the reference PSC module was estimated at $80.23/m2 and $0.73/W with a production capacity of 3.5 MWp. These costs decline to $47.15/m2 and $0.43/W at 21 MW production capacity. Material costs dominate the overall costs, fluorine-doped tin oxide glass being the most expensive material. The perovskite solar cell panels, when installed in residential homes in Alberta, Canada, were calculated to have a competitive levelized cost of electricity ranging from 7 to 17 cents per kWh. However, the cost was found to be extremely sensitive to the module efficiency, lifetime, and the solar insolation at the location of installation.T12-P02, T13-P04 | Publication | 2021-06-18 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar, Amit Kumar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Developing a framework to assess the long-term adoption of renewable energy technologies in the electric power sector: the effects of carbon price and economic incentivesT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-08-03 | Saeidreza Radpour, Eskinder Gemechu, "Ahiduzzaman M", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A survey of how practitioners implement sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in life cycle assessmentsT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-10-01 | Giovanni DiLullo, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The environmental performances of alternative materials for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splittingT13-P04 | Activity | 2020-12-01 | Jayranjan Maurya, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The life cycle energy and environmental footprints of high-performance monocrystalline titanium dioxide nanorod-base perovskite solar cellsT12-P02, T13-P04 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar, Amit Kumar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Development of life cycle GHG emissions of high-performance mono-crystalline titanium dioxide nanorod based perovskite solar cellsT12-P02, T13-P04 | Activity | 2020-10-14 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Life cycle assessment of high-performance mono-crystalline titanium dioxide nanorod based perovskite solar cellsT12-P02, T13-P04 | Activity | 2020-09-22 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar, Amit Kumar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| The development of a techno-economic model for the assessment of the cost of flywheel energy storage systems for utility-scale stationary applications
• A techno-economic assessment was performed for flywheel storage systems.
• A bottom-up cost model was developed to assess the levelized cost of flywheel storage.
• Composite and steel rotor flywheels were assessed for frequency regulation.
• The steel rotor flywheel has a lower capital cost and levelized cost of storage.
• The costs of composite and steel rotor flywheels are $190 and $146/MWh, respectively.T13-P04 | Publication | 2021-06-15 | M M Rahman, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The greenhouse gas emissions’ footprint and net energy ratio of utility-scale electro-chemical energy storage systems• Bottom-up life cycle assessment models were developed for battery storage systems.
• Life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of five battery storage systems were evaluated.
• Four different stationary applications of batteries were examined.
• The Li-ion has the highest net energy ratio (NER) and lowest GHGs in all applications.T13-C01 | Publication | 2021-07-12 | M M Rahman, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Life cycle assessment of high-performance monocrystalline titanium dioxide nanorod-based perovskite solar cellsT12-P02, T13-P04 | Publication | 2021-07-23 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar, Amit Kumar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian oil sands supply chains to ChinaThe main purpose of this study is to develop a bottom-up life cycle assessment model to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the Canadian oil sands supply to China. Two pathways were considered. In pathway I, extracted bitumen is sent to Edmonton for upgrading and pipelined to the Westridge terminal near Vancouver, then shipped to a port in China. In pathway II, extracted bitumen is mixed with diluent, directly pipelined to the Westridge terminal, and shipped to China. The results from both the pipeline and the shipping models suggest that pathway I has better GHG emissions than pathway II on a per-barrel basis. T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-04-04 | Krishna Sapkota, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, "Linwei M.", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle environmental and techno-economic assessment of perovskite solar cells. T12-P02, T13-P04 | Activity | 2021-07-16 | Harshadeep Kukkikatte Ramamurthy Rao, Eskinder Gemechu, Ujwal Thakur, Karthik Shankar, Amit Kumar | T12-P02, T13-P04 |
| Transition to cleaner grid for fossil fuel dominant jurisdictions: Development of a consequential lifecycle assessment approach. T13-C01 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Eskinder Gemechu, Tanveer Mehedi, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| The techno-economic assessment of alternative materials for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting. T13-P04 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Jayranjan Maurya, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The techno-economic assessment of alternative materials for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting. T13-P04 | Activity | 2021-11-29 | Jayranjan Maurya, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Assessment of environmental and energy footprints of utility-scale flywheel energy storage systems. T13-P04 | Activity | 2021-11-29 | "Rahman Mustafizur", Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Life cycle assessment of an electric vehicle: the impact of driving pattern and climatic conditions on the environmental performance. T13-P04 | Activity | 2021-11-29 | Dipankar Khanna, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Developing a framework to assess the long-term adoption of renewable energy technologies in the electric power sector: the effects of carbon price and economic incentivesLarge-scale deployment of renewable energy can play an immense role in transforming the global energy system and mitigating emissions. This paper describes the development of a novel framework called MArket Penetration ModeLing of Renewable Energy Technologies in Electric Power Sector (MAPLET-PS). MAPLET-PS assesses the impacts of policy measures such as carbon price and financial incentives on the adoption of renewable energy technologies. The framework was used to develop a case study for the electric power sector ofAlberta, a fossil-dominated province in Western Canada. The results show that implementing a carbon price on
fossil fuel electric power sources and incentives for renewable energy, along with the phase-out of coal-firedelectricity generation, can mitigate 29% of Alberta’s electricity sector 2020 GHG emissions by 2050 and reduce GHG emissions from 46.5 Mt of CO2 eq. in 2020 to 23.6 and 29.1 Mt of CO2 eq. per year in 2030 and2050, respectively, in Alberta. Moreover, these changes can increase the share of renewable energies from 12.5% in 2018 to 30% in 2050. These rates can be achieved by implementing a carbon price along with a 1000 $ incentive per kW new capacity development and 70 $ incentive per MWh electric power generation from renewable sources, from 2021 to 2025, primarily from wind turbines.T13-C01 | Publication | 2021-09-21 | Saeidreza Radpour, Eskinder Gemechu, "Ahiduzzaman M", Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| The development of techno-economic models for the assessment of utility-scale electro-chemical battery storage systems
• A techno-economic assessment of battery storage systems was conducted.
• Data-intensive cost models were developed for five battery technologies.
• Four different stationary applications of batteries were evaluated.
• The levelized cost of storage decreases with increases in discharge duration.
• The levelized cost of storage is the lowest for bulk energy storage.T13-C01 | Publication | 2021-01-18 | "Md MustafizurRahman", Olufemi Oni, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Energy and environmental footprints of flywheels for utility-scale energy storage applicationsHighlights
• A bottom-up life cycle assessment model was developed for utility-scale flywheel energy storage systems.
• Net energy ratio and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated.
• The operation phase is the most GHG-intensive.
• The net energy ratios of steel and composite flywheels are 2.5–3.5 and 2.7–3.8.
• The GHG emissions of steel and composite flywheels are 75–121 and 49–95 kg CO2eq/MWh.T13-C01 | Publication | 2021-11-01 | Md Mustafizur Rahman, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| The development of techno-economic assessment models for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splittingThe development of techno-economic assessment models for hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splittingT13-P04 | Publication | 2023-02-02 | Jayranjan Maurya, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of techno-economic models for assessment of cost of energy storage for vehicle-to-grid applications in a cold climateThe development of techno-economic models for assessment of cost of energy storage for vehicle-to-grid applications in a cold climateT13-P04 | Publication | 2022-09-21 | M M Rahman, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| A review of how life cycle assessment has been used to assess the environmental impacts of hydropower energyA review of how life cycle assessment has been used to assess the environmental impacts of hydropower energyT13-P04 | Publication | 2022-10-01 | Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Comparative life cycle assessment of an battery electric vehicle and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicleComparative life cycle assessment of an battery electric vehicle and a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Research Chair in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering TAC MeetingT13-P04 | Activity | 2022-11-30 | Dipankar Khanna, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Developing a framework to evaluate the life cycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions of space heating systems using zeolite 13X as an adsorbent materialThe wide use of fossil-based space heating systems results in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using solar energy for space heating can help reduce GHG emissions. However, solar energy generation is intermittent and needs to be stored for continuous supply. The zeolite 13× adsorbent heat storage system for space heating is a promising alternative. There is limited research on the life cycle GHG footprint of this type of adsorbent storage system. In this study, we developed a framework that integrates engineering design with life cycle assessment to evaluate the energy and emission performances of a zeolite 13×-based heating system charged by a solar air collector. A simulation model was developed for this adsorbent storage system. The life cycle GHG emissions of the residential heating system are estimated to be 0.1160 kg CO2 eq per kWh of the heat delivered over a 20-year lifetime. The operational phase contributes 74 % of the overall emissions because of the energy required by the humidifiers. The material production stage accounts for 25 %, mainly attributed to the upstream emissions in manufacturing photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air solar systems. The net energy ratio (NER), the ratio of energy output to fossil energy input, is 2.9. The continuous days without sunlight, the adsorbent vessel length-to-diameter ratio (L/D), and the pellet diameter of the zeolite 13× storage appear to be the parameters most sensitive to both emissions and NER. The uncertainty analysis shows emissions and NERs of the space heating system in the range of 97.2–152.3 g CO2 eq/kWh and 2.4–3.0, respectively. Compared with other alternative heating systems, the adsorbent system has better GHG performance. The research highlights the importance of selecting a suitable space heating system given the high influence of operational energy on the life cycle emissions and the range of electricity generation emissions in different provinces.T13-P04 | Publication | 2023-11-02 | T V Tran, Eskinder Gemechu, Olufemi Oni, "Carrier Y", "Tezel H", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Life cycle assessment of earth-abundant photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen productionHydrogen (H2) can play a critical role in global greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation. Photocatalytic water splitting using solar radiation is a promising H2 technology. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon nitride (g–C3N4)–based photocatalysts are the most widely used photocatalytic materials because of their activity and abundance. Several attempts have been made to improve the photocatalytic performance of these materials in terms of their activity level, life span, response to visible radiation, and stability. However, the environmental impacts of these modifications are often not included in existing studies. This research, therefore, develops a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to evaluate and compare the GHG footprints of four alternative pathways: TiO2 nanorods and fluorine-doped carbon nitride quantum dots embedded with TiO2 (CNF: TNR/TiO2), g-C3N4, and g-C3N4/BiOI composite. Unlike most studies that focus only on certain stages such as laboratory-scale photocatalytic fabrication, this study includes utility-scale cell production, assembly, operation, and end of life to give a more accurate and precise environmental performance estimation. The results show that g-C3N4/BiOI has the lowest GHG footprint (0.38 kg CO2 eq per kg of H2) and CNF: TNR/TiO2 has the lowest energy payback time (0.4 years). In every pathway, energy use in material extraction processes makes up the largest GHG contribution, between 83% and 89%. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were conducted under the impact of various input parameters on the life cycle GHG emissions of hydrogen production. Photocatalytic water splitting is highly feasible for adaptation as a mainstream hydrogen production pathway in the future.
T13-P04 | Publication | 2023-05-31 | Jayranjan Maurya, Eskinder Gemechu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Market penetration models for energy technologies: a new approach based on a reviewT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Saeidreza Radpour, "Deepak Paramashivan", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| An assessment of the Penetration of Low Carbon Technologies in the Energy Demand and Supply SectorsT13-M01 | Publication | 2021-01-26 | Saeidreza Radpour | T13-M01 |
| The development of a novel framework based on a review of market penetration models for energy technologies,The aim of this paper is to review and evaluate models used to assess the market penetration of energy technologies. While there are different models and tools, choosing the appropriate approach for a particular application is very challenging. In this paper, each model is reviewed and discussed extensively and a hierarchy diagram is developed to help choose a model. Market penetration models based on subjective estimation and market survey could be individual-dependent and not reliable for long-term forecasts. Cost estimation, diffusion, and econometric models offer more reliable results both for short- and long-term forecasts. Based on the review, a new combined model was developed and applied to a case study. The combined use of different market penetration models offers more accurate and robust results, as demonstrated in the case study.
T13-M01 | Publication | 2021-09-06 | Saeidreza Radpour, M A Mondal, "Paramashivan D", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of process models to evaluate the performance of N-solv, eseieh, and sagd oil sandsT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-02-26 | Olufemi Oni, Isabel Toro, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a techno-economic model for the assessment of the enhanced solvent extraction incorporating electromagnetic heating technologyT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-26 | Isabel Toro, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of the solvent-electromagnetic heating-based bitumen extraction technology through techno-economic modellingThe steam-assisted gravity drainage is a
widely used extraction method for bitumen in a deep reservoir, however, it is greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensive because of high fossil fuel consumption. There is a lot of interest in bitumen extraction technologies with a low GHG emissions footprint. Solvent-electromagnetic Heating (SEH) is an emerging technology that can lower GHG emissions in oil sands extraction. SEH uses an electromagnetic device and solvent to preheat and mobilize emulsion from the reservoir. SEH
eliminates the dependence on condensation heat and therefore the strict requirement of solvent purity. However, few studies have explored its techno-economic feasibility. Unlike studies found in the literature, this study presents a detailed techno-economic assessment, where plant size,
operating and economic parameters are evaluated to measure their impacts on the economics of SEH technology.T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-03-21 | Isabel Toro, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of techno-economic models for assessment of solvent-based bitumen extraction technologyT13-M01 | Publication | 2021-12-22 | Isabel Toro, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of solvent-based bitumen extraction technologies including in-situ electromagnetic heatingT13-M01 | Publication | 2021-09-23 | Isabel Toro | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of the effective solvent extraction incorporating electromagnetic heating technology through techno-economic modelingAssessment of the effective solvent extraction incorporating electromagnetic heating technology through techno-economic modelingT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-03-22 | Isabel Toro, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of life cycle greenhouse gas emission assessment footprints of novel pathways for the solvent-assisted and solvent-electromagnetic heating oil sands extraction processesThe development of life cycle greenhouse gas emission assessment footprints of novel pathways for the solvent-assisted and solvent-electromagnetic heating oil sands extraction processesT13-M01 | Publication | 2017-01-01 | Olufemi Oni, Isabel Toro, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of Biomass Feedstock Inventory for CanadaT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-05-10 | Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Biomass and waste feedstock inventory for CanadaT13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Optimal siting of municipal solid waste to energy conversion facilities through a GIS-based frameworkT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | Md Shahinoor Islam, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle GHG footprints of MSW-based intermediate for production of renewable liquid fuels and its comparison with conventional utilization pathwaysT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-14 | Roshni Mary Sebastian, Han Zhang, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of optimal location of biorefinery through integration of GIS and techno-economic modelsJuly 12-15, 2020. [Conference Presentation].T13-M01 | Activity | 2020-07-12 | "M Billal", "M Islam", Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of life cycle GHG emissions for sustainable municipal solid waste managementT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-05-11 | "Zhan H", Roshni Mary Sebastian, M H Khan, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of biomass feedstock inventory for Canadian provinces.T01-F01 | Activity | 2021-05-11 | Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| The development of an integrated GIS-based mixed-integer non-linear programming model for waste-to-energy systems in Western Canada. The 36th International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management. T01-F01 | Activity | 2021-07-12 | "Billal Mashum", Roshni Mary Sebastian, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| The development of a GIS-based framework to locate biomass and municipal solid waste collection points for an optimal waste conversion facilityAn integrated GIS-based tool was developed for optimally locating bioenergy facilities.
Waste and lignocellulosic biomass potential and distribution were assessed for Alberta.
A case study for Alberta‘s Industrial Heartland identified facility locations for two scenarios.
Ten optimal locations were identified across Alberta for bioconversion of waste and biomass feeds.T13-M01 | Publication | 2021-06-13 | Prashant Patel, Mahdi Vaezi, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Optimal siting of municipal solid waste-to-energy conversion facilities using a GIS-based framework. T01-F01 | Activity | 2021-05-31 | "Islam Mohammad", Roshni Mary Sebastian, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| The development of a GIS-based framework for determining optimal locations for biorefineries in Canada. T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-06-28 | "Billal Mashum", "Islam Mohammad", Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of a framework through the integration of a geographical information system and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for the selection of optimal sites for the location of municipal solid waste-to-value-added facilities(Under review as of May 2023)
The development of a framework through the integration of a geographical information system and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for the selection of optimal sites for the location of municipal solid waste-to-value-added facilitiesT13-M01 | Publication | 2023-04-11 | Md Shahinoor Islam, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A GIS-based optimization model for multi-feedstock biomass supply chain for multi-product generation through integrated biorefineries.A GIS-based optimization model for multi-feedstock biomass supply chain for multi-product generation through integrated biorefineries.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-07-20 | M M Billal, "Dwivedi A", Amit Kumar, Roshni Mary Sebastian | T13-M01 |
| The development of an integrated GIS-based MINLP model with economies of scale for electricity generation from waste-to-energy facilities in Western Canada.The development of an integrated GIS-based MINLP model with economies of scale for electricity generation from waste-to-energy facilities in Western Canada.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-25 | M M Billal, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a framework for forecasting residential and non-residential solid waste generation, disposal and diversion using machine learning approaches.Development of a framework for forecasting residential and non-residential solid waste generation, disposal and diversion using machine learning approaches.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-12 | M M Billal, Roshni Mary Sebastian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of techno-economic frameworks to assess electrolytic hydrogen adoption for low carbon energy transitionThis dissertation argues that electrolytic hydrogen can provide cost and emissions reduction benefits in the energy sector. However, there is uncertainty in how to drive economically viable adoption owing to some research gaps, such as limited insight into exploitable potential from wind- and solar-powered electrolysis, limited understanding about the pathways to achieve cost-competitive electrolytic hydrogen supply with high availability, limited frameworks that show the system-value derived from using electrolytic hydrogen in low-carbon sectoral planning, and the lack of adoption models to show the dependencies needed for its long-term sectoral penetration. To address these shortcomings, this research developed a suite of techno-economic frameworks to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and adoption pathways for electrolytic hydrogen. T13-P04 | Publication | 2026-01-28 | Ayodeji Oluwalonimi Okunlola | T13-P04 |
| Prediction of the frictional behaviour for pipeline hydro transportation of agricultural residue using a neural network modelT01-P05 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Artificial neural network model for predicting pressure drop in pipeline hydro transportation of agricultural residues.T13-M01 | Activity | 2021-04-26 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Scale up study on pipeline hydro-transportation of agricultural and forestry residuesT01-P05 | Activity | 2021-09-20 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| A review of Canadian wood conversion technologies for the production of fuels and chemicalsCanada has 347 million ha of forest cover, contributing to the potential large availability of wood-based resources. Although Canada's forest sector contributed $23.7 billion to the national nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, the GDP contribution of the wood product manufacturing subsector shrank by 6%. To reposition the Canadian forest industry, new forest management practices and wood-based conversion technologies should be applied. In this context, the use of woody biomass in biorefineries to produce clean energy, fuels, and chemicals is becoming increasingly significant. There is a need to understand the current status and challenges of the wood-based biomass conversion technologies that have been and are being developed in Canada. This information will help decision-makers in formulating and implementing forest sector-related policies for a sustainable bioeconomy in Canada. This study is focused on a review of Canadian woody biomass conversion technologies. Our critical review identified considerable potential biomass conversion technologies specialized for woody feedstock, all in the Canadian setting. We focused on the prospects of revitalizing Canada's pulp and paper industry through the integration of pre-treatment processes and biochemical technologies. The thermochemical conversion pathway was identified as the dominant route for woody feedstock valorization. The review also identified pathways with the potential to diversify the existing product mix that generates products from wood streams, such as chemicals and biomaterials. Most of the biochemical and thermochemical research done in institutional and multi-institutional research collaborations from laboratory scale to industrial scale will boost the chances of the commercialization of a wood-based biorefinery in Canada.T13-P04 | Publication | 2023-07-06 | "Sreekumar A", Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, Omex Mohan, "Mvolo C" | T13-P04 |
| Evaluation of particle size, shape and specific energy consumption during hammer milling of wheat straw and softwood residues.Evaluation of particle size, shape and specific energy consumption during hammer milling of wheat straw and softwood residues.T01-P05 | Activity | 2022-07-20 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, "Pradhan P" | T01-P05 |
| Scale up of pipeline hydro-transportation of agricultural and forestry residues.Scale up of pipeline hydro-transportation of agricultural and forestry residues.T01-P05 | Activity | 2022-05-12 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Investigation into the drag reduction behavior during pipeline hydro-transportation of forestry residues The potential of utilizing forestry residues for bioenergy is an attractive option for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and providing new opportunities for the forestry sector. However, the feedstock transportation using trucks to bioenergy facilities is challenging due to the remoteness of feedstock supply locations and the associated high cost. A viable alternative is to use pipelines to transport wood residues as slurry to the end conversion facilities. Even though wood chip slurry transportation has been previously studied with larger particle sizes, the mechanisms of slurry behavior with smaller particles must be further explored. The techno-economic attractiveness will be substantially improved if the forestry residue slurries behave similarly to agricultural residue slurries and show drag reduction behavior. Therefore, the primary goal of this research is to investigate the mechanisms of forestry residue slurry transport using a 2-inch pipeline system and to study the effect of bulk velocity, slurry concentration, and particle characteristics on slurry pressure drop. We measured pressure gradients for wood particle sizes ranging from 1.3 to 3.2 mm with saturated mass concentrations ranging from 5% to 35% and bulk velocities ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 m/s. The results show that drag reduction behavior exists in wood residue slurries with small particle sizes (<2.6 mm) and aspect ratios (4-6). Pressure drop was reduced by 22% when 1.3 mm residues were pumped at a bulk velocity of 3.4 m/s and a saturated mass concentration of 25% compared to water. The relationships between the slurry pressure drop and saturated mass concentration were estimated and used to determine the lower and higher limiting requirements for the drag-reducing regimes in the flow of wood slurry for a given particle size and bulk velocity. The findings of this study will be critical in determining the techno-economic feasibility of pipeline hydro-transportation of forest residues.T01-P05 | Activity | 2024-04-05 | Omex Mohan, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Pelletization of Three Municipal Solid Waste Streams: Digestate, Source Separated Organics and Refuse Derived Fuel for Use in a BiorefineryWaste-to-energy conversion is one promising approach for sustainable waste management. Densified pelletized biomass meets the requirements to be used in such conversion processes. This study focuses on the thermo-chemical characterization, feasibility of pelletization, the effect of particle size and moisture content of three different waste streams: Source Separated Organics (SSO), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), and Digestate from the City of Edmonton. Three different milling sizes of 4, 8, and 12 mm, having a moisture content (MC) of 10 and 15% were processed through a die size of 6 mm. Both RDF and SSO could be pelletized. The produced RDF pellets had a calorific value of 21.49 MJ/Kg; the SSO pellets presented a variation between the winter and spring-summer seasons, having an HHV of 19.47 MJ/Kg in winter and 13.88MJ/Kg in spring-summer; this variation is linked with changes in the feedstock composition. The Digestate showed the lowest energetic content with 10.07 MJ/Kg. The ground RDF and SSO particle size directly affects the specific energy consumption and pelletization temperature but has an inverse relation with the process throughput. The moisture content directly affects the pelletization energy requirement for SSO, but the relation is inverse for RDF. The quality of the produced pellets was assessed; for the RDF, the maximum durability achieved was 98.23 %, while for SSO was 97.4 %; The maximum bulk density reached was 594 Kg/m3 for RDF and 730 Kg/m3 for SSO. The optimal pelletization variables were identified for potential scale-up and feedstock production in future thermochemical conversion research. The results of the study is critical for the utilization of the various components of MSW for the production of fuels and chemicals in a biorefinery and contribute to the concept of circular economy.T01-P05 | Activity | 2023-07-09 | Benjamin Mauricio Martinez Castellanos, Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian | T01-P05 |
| Comparison of drag reduction characteristics during hydro-transport of comminuted wood chips through pipelinesPipeline hydro-transportation of forest residues helps in reducing the biomass feedstock's delivered cost compared to truck transport. This can subsequently help in establishing large-scale biorefineries. There is limited research on wood chips and water slurry transport through pipelines. In addition, there is no study on the comparison of flow regimes of wood chips and agricultural residue slurries. This research experimentally investigated the flow behavior of slurries made of milled wood chips and water. Experiments were carried out in a 25.5 m long, 50 mm diameter closed-circuit pipe loop test setup to measure horizontal pressure gradients. Pressure gradients were measured for wood particle sizes ranging from 1.3 to 3.2 mm, saturated mass concentrations ranging from 5% to 35%, and bulk velocities ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 m/s. The findings indicate evidence of drag reduction behavior in wood residue slurries with small particle sizes (< 2.6 mm) and aspect ratios (4–6). A 22% decrease in pressure drop was obtained, compared to water, when pumping 1.3 mm wood residues at a bulk velocity of 3.4 m/s and a saturated mass concentration of 25%. Comparing pressure drop values from tests on earlier research on agricultural residue slurry suggests similar flow behavior. However, the maximum drag reduction in wood residue slurries was 33% lower than that reported for agricultural residues. The findings from this study will be crucial in refining wood residue hydro-transport for cost-effective biomass conversion and for the development of large-scale biorefineries on woody biomass.T01-P05 | Publication | 2024-10-31 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Quantitative estimation and comparative assessment of particle morphological features and energy requirement during hammer milling of softwood chips and wheat strawThe valorization of agricultural and woody residues into higher quality fuels is an attractive pathway and can contribute to decarbonizing the energy system. One essential step for the conversion of these residues to fuels is comminution through commercial mills. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feedstock, input feed size, and milling screen size on particle size and shape, as well as to validate the reliability of existing comminution laws for predicting energy requirements during hammer milling of agricultural and wood biomass. Additionally, the study proposed a new empirical correlation for comminution energy prediction, taking two-dimensional size reduction descriptors into consideration. A machine vision-based image processing method was used to estimate particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), and particle shape factors. The aspect ratio of wheat straw particles was 1.3 to 1.5 times larger than softwood particles, suggesting they are more fibrous. The shapes generated during hammer milling were estimated, with rectangular shapes being predominant. The specific energy requirement (SER) estimated for the hammer milling of softwood chips and wheat straw at different mill screen sizes (4, 8, and 12 mm) was found to be in the range of 153.2–25.5 kJ kg-1 and 38.5–16.1 kJ kg-1, respectively. The validity of existing comminution laws to predict the SER during hammer milling of softwood and wheat straw was tested at a fixed feed rate of 45 kg hr-1, and an improvement in SER prediction for softwood was achieved by formulating a new empirical correlation factoring size reductions in length and width. Further, the correlation developed for the SER for wheat straw was found to lack statistical significance. The findings of this study can be applied to improve the effectiveness of the comminution process, a critical precursor to numerous thermochemical conversion methods used for transforming biomass residues into valuable fuels.T01-P05 | Publication | 2024-07-16 | Omex Mohan, Vinoj Kurian, "Priyabrata Pradhan", Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Integrating pipeline hydro transportation with hydrothermal liquefaction for biofuel production optimizing process parameters and product characterizationThis study explores a novel approach to produce biofuels by integrating hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process with pipeline hydro-transportation of biomass. The research examines critical process parameters, optimizes the HTL process, and characterizes the produced biocrude for efficient biofuel generation from pipeline-transported lignocellulosic feedstocks. The water-to-feed ratio, temperature, and residence time were found to be critical parameters that affect biocrude yield, and in the integration of the two technologies, the water-to-feed ratio is more critical than particle size. The optimal process parameters obtained in the study are water-to-feed ratio (15), temperature (294 °C), initial pressure (460 psi), residence time (0 min), and particle size (~0.381 mm), which produced a biocrude with yield of 31.34%, a higher heating value (HHV) of 27.26 MJ/kg, and an energy recovery of 46.18%. The compounds present in the produced biocrude are phenols, ketones, aldehydes, furan derivatives, naphthalenol, and fatty acids, with phenolic compounds making up around 46% of the mix. The produced biocrude exhibits desirable properties like lower oxygen content, lower water content, and a higher heating value within the reported range for HTL biocrude; however, a high total acid number (TAN), the presence of oxygenated compounds, and a notable carbon residue content (28.8%) are among the observed characteristics that point to the necessity of catalytic upgrading. This study highlights the technical viability of combining hydro-transportation of biomass via pipeline with HTL for the production of biofuels, providing important factors to consider for the future implementation of this technology integration.T01-P05 | Activity | 2024-06-24 | Omex Mohan, Olugbenga Fakayode, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Biofuel production form pipeline-transported lignocellulosic biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction: Process optimization and product characterizationThis study investigates hydrochar production from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of pipeline-transported softwood biomass. Pipelining biomass using water as a carrier fluid offers a cost-effective alternative to truck transport, and its integration with HTL for hydrochar production is relatively unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of process parameters on HTL of pipelined biomass and characterize the resulting hydrochar for various applications. The yield of hydrochar produced from pipelined biomass, at the optimal process conditions, was 13.22 % (oven-dry mass basis), with 19.31 % of energy recovered in hydrochar. The hydrochar was characterized as a black, fragile, mildly acidic carbon material with a dry bulk density of 0.142 g/cm3, improved carbon content, increased surface area (9.27 m2/g), altered pore morphology, and a graphitized, amorphous structure, reflecting structural and compositional changes from the HTL process. Pipelining was found to have minimal impact on the lignocellulosic composition and particle size of the softwood biomass, but it resulted in the leaching of inorganic elements, leading to a reduction in ash content in the hydrochar. The characterization results suggest the hydrochar is suitable for soil amendment and solid fuel applications; its low surface area hinders its use as an adsorbent or for energy storage. This study thus demonstrates the potential of integrating hydro-transportation with HTL, offering a pathway to recover, manage, and use hydrochar for various applications.T01-P05 | Publication | 2026-04-15 | Omex Mohan, Olugbenga Fakayode | T01-P05 |
| Production and characterization of hydrochar produced from hydrothermal liquefaction of pipeline-transported softwood biomassThis study investigates hydrochar production from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of pipeline-transported softwood biomass. Pipelining biomass using water as a carrier fluid offers a cost-effective alternative to truck transport, and its integration with HTL for hydrochar production is relatively unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of process parameters on HTL of pipelined biomass and characterize the resulting hydrochar for various applications. The yield of hydrochar produced from pipelined biomass, at the optimal process conditions, was 13.22 % (oven-dry mass basis), with 19.31 % of energy recovered in hydrochar. The hydrochar was characterized as a black, fragile, mildly acidic carbon material with a dry bulk density of 0.142 g/cm3, improved carbon content, increased surface area (9.27 m2/g), altered pore morphology, and a graphitized, amorphous structure, reflecting structural and compositional changes from the HTL process. Pipelining was found to have minimal impact on the lignocellulosic composition and particle size of the softwood biomass, but it resulted in the leaching of inorganic elements, leading to a reduction in ash content in the hydrochar. The characterization results suggest the hydrochar is suitable for soil amendment and solid fuel applications; its low surface area hinders its use as an adsorbent or for energy storage. This study thus demonstrates the potential of integrating hydro-transportation with HTL, offering a pathway to recover, manage, and use hydrochar for various applications.T01-P05 | Publication | 2025-09-12 | Omex Mohan, Olugbenga Fakayode, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Scale effects on horizontal frictional pressure losses in forest residue and agricultural biomass slurry flowsSustainable biomass energy is crucial for global decarbonization, and there exists significant potential in converting untapped forest and agricultural residues into bioenergy. However, meeting the large biomass demand of economically scaled conversion facilities is challenging, as the long distances between biomass sources and these facilities make conventional truck-based transport costly. A promising alternative is hydraulic conveying of biomass residues through pipelines in slurry form, which offers economies of scale and enables continuous operation. Designing and implementing such a system requires detailed knowledge of horizontal frictional pressure losses in the pipeline, influenced by solid particle characteristics, flow velocity, and slurry concentration. Despite the study of flow behavior of forest and agricultural residue slurries in small-scale laboratory test loops, effectively scaling these findings to large industrial pipelines remains a significant practical barrier. To address this, we designed and commissioned a 59.5 m long, 4-inch closed-loop pipeline test system. Biomass particles with nominal size in the range of 4–24 mm was successfully pipelined at bulk velocities of 0.5–3.0 m/s and saturated slurry concentrations of 5–35% and the horizontal frictional pressure losses were measured and compared with existing data for smaller diameter (2-inch) pipelines. The measured horizontal frictional pressure losses for forest residue slurries suggested that the maximum turbulent drag reduction was similar (14%) in both 2-inch and 4-inch pipelines but occurred at higher slurry concentrations in the latter. The pressure loss data was used to refine the existing scaling laws for biomass slurries, enabling more accurate scaling for large-scale biomass transport. The findings from this study will support the commercialization of biomass slurry pipeline technology, offering a cost-effective solution for delivering feedstock to enable sustainable bioenergy production.T01-P05 | Activity | 2025-07-14 | Omex Mohan, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Integration of Pipeline Hydrotransportation and Hydrothermal Liquefaction for Biocrude and Hydrochar Production from Softwood BiomassT01-P05 | Publication | 2025-12-17 | Omex Mohan | T01-P05 |
| Development of techno-economic models for assessment of solvent-based bitumen extraction technologyThis study conducts a holistic comparative cost and life cycle GHG emissions’ footprint assessment of three natural gas-based blue hydrogen production technologies – steam
methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming (ATR), and natural gas decomposition (NGD) to address these research gaps. A hydrogen production plant capacity of 607 tonnes
per day was considered. For SMR, based on the percentage of carbon capture and capture points, we considered two scenarios, SMR-52% (indicates 52% carbon capture) and SMR-85%
(indicates 85% carbon capture). A scale factor was developed for each technology to understand the hydrogen production cost with a change in production plant size. The results
indicate that when uncertainty is considered, SMR-52% and ATR are economically preferable to NGD and SMR-85%.
SMR-52% could outperform ATR-CCS when the natural gas price decreases and the rate of return increases. SMR-85% is the least attractive pathway; however, it could outperform
NGD economically when CO2 transportation cost and natural gas price decrease. Hydrogen storage cost significantly impacts the hydrogen production cost. SMR-52%, SMR-85%, ATR-CCS,
and NGD-CCS have scale factors of 0.67, 0.68, 0.54, and 0.65, respectively. The hydrogen cost variation with capacity shows that operating SMR-52% and ATR-CCS above hydrogen
capacity of 200 tonnes/day is economically attractive. Blue hydrogen from autothermal reforming has the lowest life cycle GHG emissions of 3.91 kgCO2eq/kg H2, followed by
blue hydrogen from NGD (4.54 kgCO2eq/kg H2), SMR-85% (6.66 kgCO2eq/kg H2), and SMR-52% (8.20 kgCO2eq/kg H2). The findings of this study are useful for decision-making at
various levels.T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-01-24 | Olufemi Oni, "Karina Anaya", Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Giovanni DiLullo, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Comparative assessment of blue hydrogen from steam methane reforming, autothermal reforming, and natural gas decomposition technologies for natural gas-producing regionsInterest in blue hydrogen production technologies is growing. Some researchers have evaluated the environmental and/or economic feasibility of producing blue hydrogen, but a holistic assessment is still needed. Many aspects of hydrogen production have not been investigated. There is very limited information in the literature on the impact of plant size on production and the extent of carbon capture on the cost and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of blue hydrogen production through various production pathways. Detailed uncertainty and sensitivity analyses have not been included in most of the earlier studies. This study conducts a holistic comparative cost and life cycle GHG emissions’ footprint assessment of three natural gas-based blue hydrogen production technologies – steam methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming (ATR), and natural gas decomposition (NGD) to address these research gaps. A hydrogen production plant capacity of 607 tonnes per day was considered. For SMR, based on the percentage of carbon capture and capture points, we considered two scenarios, SMR-52% (indicates 52% carbon capture) and SMR-85% (indicates 85% carbon capture). A scale factor was developed for each technology to understand the hydrogen production cost with a change in production plant size. Hydrogen cost is 1.22, 1.23, 2.12, 1.69, 2.36, 1.66, and 2.55 $/kg H2 for SMR, ATR, NGD, SMR-52%, SMR-85%, ATR with carbon capture and sequestration (ATR-CCS), and NGD with carbon capture and sequestration (NGD-CCS), respectively. The results indicate that when uncertainty is considered, SMR-52% and ATR are economically preferable to NGD and SMR-85%. SMR-52% could outperform ATR-CCS when the natural gas price decreases and the rate of return increases. SMR-85% is the least attractive pathway; however, it could outperform NGD economically when CO2 transportation cost and natural gas price decrease. Hydrogen storage cost significantly impacts the hydrogen production cost. SMR-52%, SMR-85%, ATR-CCS, and NGD-CCS have scale factors of 0.67, 0.68, 0.54, and 0.65, respectively. The hydrogen cost variation with capacity shows that operating SMR-52% and ATR-CCS above hydrogen capacity of 200 tonnes/day is economically attractive. Blue hydrogen from autothermal reforming has the lowest life cycle GHG emissions of 3.91 kgCO2eq/kg H2, followed by blue hydrogen from NGD (4.54 kgCO2eq/kg H2), SMR-85% (6.66 kgCO2eq/kg H2), and SMR-52% (8.20 kgCO2eq/kg H2). The findings of this study are useful for decision-making at various levels.T13-M01 | Publication | 2022-02-15 | Olufemi Oni, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, "Anaya, K", Giovanni DiLullo, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Large-scale, long-distance land-based hydrogen transportation systems: a comparative techno-economic and greenhouse gas emission assessmentLarge-scale, long-distance land-based hydrogen transportation systems: a comparative techno-economic and greenhouse gas emission assessmentT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-09-07 | Giovanni DiLullo, Temitayo Pelumi Giwa, Tanveer Mehedi, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of Integrated Multi-Product BiorefineriesT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-05-10 | Temitayo Pelumi Giwa | T13-M01 |
| Synergistic effect of water and co-solvents on the hydrothermal liquefaction of agricultural biomass to produce heavy oilHydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) was performed on Alberta’s agricultural biomass, corn stover and wheat straw, at an operating temperature of 300°C, initial reactor pressure of 600 psi and zero min retention time. Effects of adding Co-solvents (Methanol, Ethanol, and 2-Propanol) on yield and quality of heavy oil has been studied. 2-Propanol exhibited to be a promising Co-solvent that has improved the quality of heavy oil. HTL of corn stover using water-2-propanol mixture produced heavy oil having oxygen content of 18.8 wt.%, Higher Heating Value (HHV) of 32.0 MJ/kg and Total Acid Number (TAN) value of 81.74 mg KOH/g oil. HTL of wheat straw using water-2-propanol mixture produced heavy oil showing an oxygen content of 17.99 wt.% and HHV of 32.86 MJ/kg.T01-P05 | Publication | 2022-01-06 | Snehlata Das, Ankit Mathanker, Deepak Pudasainee, "Khan M", Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T01-P05 |
| A Review of Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Biomass for Biofuels Production with a Special Focus on the Effect of Process Parameters, Co-Solvents, and Extraction SolventsHydrothermal liquefaction is one of the common thermochemical conversion methods
adapted to convert high-water content biomass feedstocks to biofuels and many other valuable
industrial chemicals. The hydrothermal process is broadly classified into carbonization, liquefaction,
and gasification with hydrothermal liquefaction conducted in the intermediate temperature range of
250–374 ◦C and pressure of 4–25 MPa. Due to the ease of adaptability, there has been considerable
research into the process on using various types of biomass feedstocks. Over the years, various
solvents and co-solvents have been used as mediums of conversion, to promote easy decomposition of the lignocellulosic components in biomass. The product separation process, to obtain the finalproducts, typically involves multiple extraction and evaporation steps, which greatly depend on the type of extractive solvents and process parameters. In general, the main aim of the hydrothermalprocess is to produce a primary product, such as bio-oil, biochar, gases, or industrial chemicals,such as adhesives, benzene, toluene, and xylene. All of the secondary products become part ofthe side streams. The optimum process parameters are obtained to improve the yield and quality of the primary products. A great deal of the process depends on understanding the underlined reaction chemistry during the process. Therefore, this article reviews the major works conducted in the field of hydrothermal liquefaction in order to understand the mechanism of lignocellulosic conversion, describing the concept of a batch and a continuous process with the most recent state-of-art technologies in the field. Further, the article provides detailed insight into the effects of various process parameters, co-solvents, and extraction solvents, and their effects on the products’ yield and quality. It also provides information about possible applications of products obtained through liquefaction. Lastly, it addresses gaps in research and provides suggestions for future studies.T01-P05 | Publication | 2021-08-11 | Ankit Mathanker, Snehlata Das, Deepak Pudasainee, "Monir Khan", Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T01-P05 |
| Hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass using water and hydrogen-donor solvent mixtures to produce energy-dense heavy oilT01-P05 | Publication | 2021-01-01 | Snehlata Das | T01-P05 |
| Development of a techno-economic model for the assessment of cost of bitumen using steam-solvent extraction technology.Development of a techno-economic model for the assessment of cost of bitumen using steam-solvent extraction technology.T13-P04, T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-10-26 | Mustakimul Hoque, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04, T13-M01 |
| A comprehensive assessment of the integration of solvent and steam for the extraction of bitumen through the development of novel process modelsSolvent-steam bitumen extraction technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is based on gravity drainage, wherein a steam and vaporized solvent mixture is used to extract bitumen from a reservoir. This can reduce the environmental impact compared with processes that use only steam for bitumen extraction [i.e., steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)]. No techno-economic analysis of solvent-steam extraction has been made available in the public domain. In this study, a process simulation model was developed to assess costs. A capacity of 25,000 B/D of bitumen was considered with hexane as the solvent. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were conducted to assess how the supply cost of bitumen produced with diluent (dilbit) changes with changes in input parameters. The supply cost for the base case scenario is 55.5 CAD/bbl at a 10% internal rate of return (IRR). The scale factor was estimated to be 0.80, which suggests that oil production will be economically viable on a large scale. Capital cost, solvent price, and transportation and blending cost affect the supply cost. The most probable supply cost range is 53.0–65.4 CAD/bbl at a 90% confidence interval. The results also indicate that dilbit supply costs from the solvent-steam process are economically attractive compared with the current oil price.T13-P04 | Publication | 2024-01-19 | Mustakimul Hoque, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Planning for net-zero GHG emissions by 2050: Moving from technical feasibility assessments to actionable analysisResearchers with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict that the net flux of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must reach zero by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5°C within this century. This target requires that all GHG emissions resulting from human activity are offset by equal levels of natural or technological carbon uptake, meaning that action towards net-zero GHG emissions may involve measures aiming to minimize GHG sources or maximize GHG sinks. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may only be possible through the rapid deployment of new technologies at an unprecedented rate, requiring policymakers to develop creative policy instruments to facilitate collaborative action across sector boundaries. This research describes a novel approach to planning for and assessing action towards net-zero GHG emissions based on bottom-up, accounting-based energy modelling techniques.
The first part of this research develops a framework for assessing the contribution potential of energy-efficiency measures towards economy-wide net-zero emission targets. The framework uses a bottom-up energy model spanning the agriculture, cement, chemicals, commercial and institutional, iron and steel, oil extraction, petroleum refining, and residential sectors, together accounting for over 75% of annual energy demand in the case study region of Alberta, Canada. 81 energy-efficiency improvements were identified for these sectors which, by 2050, may mitigate 8% of regional annual GHG emissions relative to a baseline in which shares and efficiencies of existing technologies are held constant. Considering the interaction effects between simultaneously applied measures, measures representing 80% of the identified cumulative mitigation potential may be implemented at negative cost. The assessed energy-efficiency measures represent cost-effective and readily deployable GHG mitigation strategies for most major economic sectors, but together only account for a small fraction of the GHG mitigation required for complete energy system decarbonization in the assessed region. This framework offers value to policymakers developing actionable policy and milestone targets towards long-term emissions-reduction goals.
This framework was expanded to assess technology-specific measures toward achieving net-zero GHG emissions within a multi-regional multi-sectoral economy, where the effects, costs, and benefits of various GHG mitigation measures could be assessed incrementally. A portfolio of 184 measures was developed. Measures were categorized according to practical type and technological readiness and their maximum technical GHG mitigation potential was evaluated. These measures are applicable in the cement, chemicals, commercial and institutional, iron and steel, oil sands, petroleum refining, pulp and paper, residential, and transportation sectors. The effects of these measures were compared to a static reference scenario and a business-as-usual scenario reflecting current policy. Together, the assessed measures represent an extensive portfolio of commercially available opportunities for energy efficiency improvement, fuel switching, and carbon capture and storage. Under current policy, these measures may mitigate 33% of baseline GHG emissions by 2050 and represent significant economic cost savings. If implemented to their maximum extent, they may reduce baseline GHG emissions by 50% by 2050 at additional economic costs. The results indicate that there is a clear gap between national GHG reduction ambitions and available solutions and highlight the need for more transparent and specific energy systems models for decarbonization assessment.
This research ultimately highlights the gap between currently available GHG reduction measures and complete decarbonization; achieving net-zero GHG emissions will only be possible through a complete transformation of entire energy systems and economies. Existing assessment frameworks that represent net-zero as a system-wide constraint and model hypothetical technologies alongside proven measures often fail to communicate the magnitude of change implied by this target.
T13-P01 | Publication | 2023-06-30 | Luke Sperry | T13-P01 |
| Electrification of Bitumen Upgraders in the Oilsands SectorThere is a need to decarbonize the oilsands sector for total greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This study focuses on the potential of electrifying heating systems in the oilsands upgrading process to reduce GHG emissions. Traditionally, this process relies on burning fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, for the significant heat supply. The research identifies major energy-intensive units for targeted electrification in a typical delayed coking-based upgrading process. Preliminary findings indicate that units such as hydrogen production (49%), diluent recovery (9%), vacuum distillation (17%), delayed coking (2%), and hydrotreating (18%) constitute a significant portion of total energy consumption. The study also evaluates electrification technologies, suggesting promising ones for the heating process based on factors such as process conditions and technology readiness level (TRL). A comparative analysis of natural gas with renewable electricity-based heating provides substantial potential for decreased GHG emissions through electrification. Despite natural gas being a more economical energy source compared to renewable electricity, the increasing trend of carbon tax prices may justify the higher energy cost associated with replacing natural gas by renewable electricity, considering the abatement cost resulting from reduced carbon emissions.T13-P04 | Activity | 2024-10-07 | Mahsa Yousefikhanghah, Jubil Joy, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Large-Scale CO2 Utilization for Production of Methanol in Carbon-Intensive Jurisdictions.This study explores the potential of large-scale CO2 utilization to produce methanol in regions heavily reliant on carbon-intensive energy sources, such Alberta, a western province in Canada. There is an urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy alternatives. Thus, the main objective is to assess the techno-economic feasibility and environmental impact of using CO2 hydrogenation processes for methanol synthesis, with a focus on jurisdictions with substantial carbon footprints. The scope extends to evaluating the efficiency improvements, cost implications, and potential carbon reduction.
The study makes a novel contribution by providing region-specific insights and recommendations that would benefit jurisdictions with high carbon footprints. The comprehensive modeling approach and utilization of simulation model offers a robust foundation for evaluating the large-scale production of methanol. It ensures a thorough and accurate analysis, setting the basis for informed decision-making and sustainable industrial practices. The study focuses on establishing a clear link between CO2 utilization, economic viability, and carbon emission reduction, for the adoption of CO2 -based technologies in carbon-intensive regions.T13-P04 | Activity | 2024-10-27 | Yurley Karina Anaya Jaimes, Jubil Joy, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Composite score-based analysis of carbon capture strategies for sustainable natural gas-to-methanol: A comprehensive assessmentMethanol production from natural gas remains highly carbon-intensive. Previous studies have examined its energy, environmental, or economic dimensions in isolation, often neglecting the combined influence of carbon capture, syngas quality adjustment, and process heat substitution under consistent boundaries. This study presents the first integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment of methanol production via steam methane reforming (SMR) and autothermal reforming (ATR), developed as a case study for Alberta, Canada. The analysis integrates detailed Aspen HYSYS simulations to evaluate energy performance, environmental footprint, and cost using Alberta-specific utility prices and grid emission factors. Thirty-seven configurations were evaluated across varying stoichiometric numbers (SNs), carbon capture strategies, and process heat sources (natural gas or hydrogen). SMR with natural gas utility and pre-combustion CCS achieved the highest net energy ratio (0.77), whereas SMR with hydrogen utility and full CCS yielded the lowest GHG emissions (0.48 kg CO2/kg-MeOH). The lowest minimum selling price (MSP, $229.13/t) occurred for SMR with natural gas utility, pre-CCS, and hydrogen by-product revenue. Composite scoring identified SMR (SN = 2.91, pre-CCS) and ATR (SN = 1.77, full CCS) as the most balanced low-carbon pathways. Integrating carbon pricing and hydrogen revenue reduced breakeven prices to $10/t-CO2 (SMR) and $9/t-CO2 (ATR). Morris and Monte Carlo analyses revealed natural gas price, carbon price, discount rate, and hydrogen storage duration as dominant cost drivers, with uncertainties in cost estimates of ±1.7 % for SMR and ±1.5 % for ATR. This work establishes a comprehensive framework to evaluate conventional reforming with CCS and by-product valorization toward competitive, low-carbon methanol production in fossil-reliant regions.T13-P04 | Publication | 2026-02-28 | "Karina Anaya", Jubil Joy, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Life cycle analysis of the simultaneous production of lithium hydroxide monohydrate and lithium carbonate from spodumene ore using electrodialysisThe need to combat climate change and to achieve carbon neutrality is driving demand for clean energy technologies, highlighting the importance of sustainable production pathways for lithium-ion battery precursors. Although prior research has assessed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production in specific regions, a significant gap remains in the comprehensive life cycle analyses of electrodialysis-based systems co-producing LHM and lithium carbonate across different geographical locations and operational conditions. This study conducts a cradle-to-gate, Canada-specific baseline life cycle assessment (LCA) of flexible LHM and lithium carbonate co-production. It uses an electrodialysis-based electrochemical process, accompanied by detailed modeling of sub-processes to enhance GHG emission reduction by reducing energy consumption. The study also assesses the adaptability and feasibility of the facility under varying geographical and operational conditions. The results indicate that 175.6 Megawatts (MW) of energy is required for a spodumene input capacity of 250 tph. The primary energy consumers are the electrochemical process and mining, at 97.2 MW and 49.6 MW, respectively. Within the electrochemical process, electrolysis consumes 65.7 % of the total energy, representing approximately 36 % of the total energy used in the LHM production process. The study also found that the total life cycle GHG emission is 9.15 t CO 2 e/t LHM. The main contributors to GHG emissions in LHM production are the electrochemical process and mining, contributing 5.48 t CO 1.85 t CO 2 2 e/t LHM and e/t LHM, respectively. These emissions can be reduced by using the hydrogen by-product from the electrodialysis process and integrating renewable energy into mining, milling, and electrochemical operations. Additionally, small modular nuclear reactors (SMNRs) present a promising low-carbon alternative for powering these stages. The model shows life cycle GHG emissions from 3.91 to 10.97 t CO 2 e/t LHM, mainly influenced by electricity emissions and scalability. Sensitivity analyses confirm its adaptability in different regions and operating conditions. The 0.06 t CO₂e/t LHM GHG emission difference between production ratios of 100 % LHM and 50 % LHM results in 4092 t annually, mainly due to CO₂ injection during carbonation and drying energy use. Overall, increased energy demand is largely offset by CO₂ injection, minimizing net emissions.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-09-12 | "Saurav Rathore", Jubil Joy, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Parametric analysis and energy efficiency enhancement of mixed plastic waste chemical recycling in a circular economyThis study evaluates the chemical recycling of mixed plastic to produce high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in a plant handling 500 tons/day of mixed plastic waste, reducing waste and dependence on fossil fuels. The process involves high-temperature gasification to produce syngas, which is purified, fermented into ethanol, dehydrated to form ethylene, and polymerized into HDPE. The parametric analysis maximizes the HDPE production, while the heat integration enhances energy efficiency. A detailed process simulation was developed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this underexplored recycling pathway. The equivalence ratio of 0.21 and steam-to-plastic ratio of 0.45 at a gasification temperature of 1000°C was identified as optimal, producing the highest composition of CO at 41 wt.%. Beyond this temperature, H2 production declined, and CO2 increased due to the water-gas shift reaction. Ethanol separation energy decreased by 25% at 90% syngas conversion and 4 wt.% broth feed, reducing reboiler duty. Ethanol dehydration to ethylene occurred at 450°C and 1.2 bar, resulting in a 3.2% increase in HDPE production by reducing the H2/C2H4 ratio from 0.17 to 0.035 and increasing the catalyst and solvent flow rate by 20%. High-temperature syngas preheated air, steam, and mixed plastic to 500°C, reducing overall heat energy consumption by 33%. A total of 74.8 MW of heat energy was consumed, with 56% for gasification, 41% for ethanol fermentation, 2.5% for ethanol dehydration, and <1% for HDPE production, achieving 52.6% hydrocarbon conversion to produce 200 tons/day of HDPE. This approach converts mixed plastic waste into HDPE, reducing landfill dependency and supporting a circular economy. Additionally, this analysis identifies key parameters to maximize yield and minimize energy use, providing a scalable solution to plastic waste challenges and supporting sustainable development.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-10-06 | "Shaivya Anand", Jubil Joy | T13-P04 |
| Kumar M, Oyedun AO, Kumar A. A review on the current status of various hydrothermal technologies on biomass feedstock, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2018, 81 (2): 1742-1770.Journal PaperT01-P05 | Publication | 2018-04-28 | Mayank Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Large scale pipeline hydrotransport of biomass feedstock to bio-based energy facilitiesVaezi M*, Kumar A. Large scale pipeline hydrotransport of biomass feedstock to bio-based energy facilities, presented at the SPARK 2017 Conference, Nov. 6-8, 2017, Edmonton, AB. T01-P05 | Activity | 2017-11-06 | Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Measuring agricultural residue and woodchips biomass slurry flows critical velocity in pipelines using high-frequency impedancemetry approachVaezi M*, Kumar A. Measuring agricultural residue and woodchips biomass slurry flows critical velocity in pipelines using high-frequency impedancemetry approach, presented at the 67th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Oct. 22-25, 2017, Edmonton, AB. T01-P05 | Activity | 2017-10-22 | Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Comparative assessment of pipeline hydro-transport of biomass feedstock – an overview of 8 years experimental and techno-economic studiesVaezi M*, Kumar A. Comparative assessment of pipeline hydro-transport of biomass feedstock – an overview of 8 years experimental and techno-economic studies, presented at the ASABE 2017 Annual International Meeting, July 16-19, 2017, Spokane, Washington.T01-P05 | Activity | 2017-07-16 | Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Economic and environmental impact assessments of Alberta’s oil sands with the Global Change Assessment ModelT13-P02 | Activity | 2018-10-04 | Rui Xing, Diego Chiappori, Evan Arbuckle, Evan G R Davies, Amit Kumar | T13-P02 |
| What is the production cost of renewable diesel from woody biomass and agricultural residue based on experimentation? A comparative assessmentT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-04-23 | Madhumita Patel, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T13-M01 |
| A comparative analysis of hydrogen production from the thermochemical conversion of algal biomassT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-04-23 | Mayank Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| The development of a process simulation model for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of a vapor solvent-based oil sands extraction and recovery processT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-02-19 | Mohammad Ikthair Hossain Soiket, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of long-term energy efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation options for the cement industryT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-01-04 | Ali Talaei, "David Pier", "Aishwarya Iyer", "Md. Ahiduzzaman", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Application of high-frequency impedancemetry approach in measuring the critical velocities of biomass and sand slurry flows in pipelinesT01-P05 | Publication | 2018-10-17 | Mahdi Vaezi, "Shubham Verma", Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Predicting the biomass conversion performance in a fluidized bed reactor using an isoconversional model-free methodT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-01-25 | Madhumita Patel, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T13-M01 |
| A techno-economic assessment of renewable diesel and gasoline production from aspen hardwoodT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-06-08 | Madhumita Patel, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of introducing intermediate pyrolysis in small community landfills across AlbertaT01-F01 | Activity | 2019-07-14 | Wasel-ur Rahman, Madhumita Patel, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, "Andreas Hornung" | T01-F01 |
| Biobattery concept: Decentralized production of fuel from forest biomass, agriculture residue and municipal solid wasteT01-F01, T02-P06 | Activity | 2018-03-14 | Adetoyese Oyedun, Vinoj Kurian, Wasel-ur Rahman, Manjot Gill, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta, Larry William Kostiuk, "Andreas Hornung" | T01-F01, T02-P06 |
| Decentralized use of forest biomass, agricultural residue, and municipal solid waste through the biobattery conceptT01-F01, T02-P06 | Activity | 2017-11-06 | Adetoyese Oyedun, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta, Larry William Kostiuk, "Andreas Hornung" | T01-F01, T02-P06 |
| Enhanced biomethane recovery from fat, oil, and grease through co-digestion with food waste and addition of conductive materialsT01-Q01 University of Alberta | Publication | 2019-12-01 | Bappi Chowdhury, Long Lin, Dhar, B., Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Daryl McCartney, Amit Kumar | T01-Q01 |
| Assessment of the impacts of process-level energy efficiency improvement on greenhouse gas mitigation potential in the petroleum refining sectorT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Ali Talaei, Olufemi Oni, "Mohammed Ahiduzzaman", Pritam Sankar Roychaudhuri, "Jeff Rutherford", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| A comparative techno-economic analysis of algal thermochemical conversion technologies for diluent productionT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Mayank Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Spatial distribution of usable biomass feedstock and technical bioenergy potentialT01-T01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | "Jingying Fu", "Yaoyu Nie", "Shiyan Chang", "Wenjia Cai", "Can Wang", "Jingxuan Hui", "Le Yu", "Wanbin Zhu", "Guorui Huang", Amit Kumar, "Weichao Guo", "Qun Ding" | T01-T01 |
| The development of a cost model for two supply chain networks of the decentralized pyrolysis system to produce bio-oilT01-P05 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Madhumita Patel, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar, John Doucette | T01-P05 |
| Comparative techno-economic assessment of producing pure CO2 from flue gases produced from fossil fuel plants using amine and ammonia separationT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Elvis Ibadin, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Hydrothermal liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass feedstock to produce biofuels: parametric study and products characterizationT01-P05 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Ankit Mathanker, Deepak Pudasainee, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta | T01-P05 |
| A review of the process model and parametric study for the hydrothermal gasification of algal biomassT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-02-19 | Mayank Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Large-scale hydrogen production from alternative sources for hydrogen economy. T13-M01 | Activity | 2019-08-15 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of techno-economic models for the assessment of utility-scale electro-chemical energy storage technologiesT13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-23 | "Mustafizur Rahman", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Prospects of renewable natural gas in North America: A review of feedstock availability, conversion technology, economic viability and emissions reduction potential.July 14-17, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T13-M01 | Activity | 2019-07-14 | Adetoyese Oyedun, Madhumita Patel, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Parametric study of hydrothermal treatment of biomass to produce biofuelsJune 16-21, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T01-P05 | Activity | 2019-06-16 | Ankit Mathanker, Deepak Pudasainee, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Integration of large-scale biomass supply through pipeline for scale-up of biomass processingDate: May 30-31, 2019. [Conference Presentation]T01-P05 | Activity | 2019-05-30 | Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Hydrothermal treatment of biomass to produce biofuelsT01-P05 | Activity | 2019-05-07 | Ankit Mathanker, Deepak Pudasainee, Raj Gupta, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Conversion of biomass and municipal solid waste into renewable jet fuelT01-F01 | Activity | 2019-05-07 | Wasel-ur Rahman, Madhumita Patel, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| Assessment of environmental and economic footprints of energy storage systems.T13-M01 | Activity | 2020-02-20 | "Mustafizur Rahman", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Blending blue hydrogen with natural gas for direct consumption: Examining the effect of hydrogen concentration on transportation and well-to-combustion greenhouse gas emissionsT13-M01 | Publication | 2021-05-14 | Giovanni DiLullo, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Potential for energy efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas mitigation from Canada’s iron and steel industryT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-07-17 | Ali Talaei, "Ahiduzzaman Md", Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Retrofitting coal-fired power plants with biomass co-firing and CCS for net zero carbon emission: A plant-by-plant assessment based on GIS-LCA frameworkT01-T01 | Publication | 2020-09-30 | "Rui Wang", "Shiyan Chang", "Xueqin Cui", "Jin Li", "Linwei Ma", Amit Kumar, "Yaoyu Nie", "Wenjia Cai" | T01-T01 |
| A parametric study through the modeling of hydrothermal gasification for hydrogen production from algal biomassHydrothermal gasification (HTG) is applicable to high moisture content biomass feedstock such as wet microalgae. The key interests of this thermochemical processing are its ability to use whole algae instead of simply lipid extracts and to use a wide range of algal feedstocks. It employs water in the form of a reaction medium to disintegrate biomass into hydrogen gas. The products' composition and yields are a function of process parameters, namely feed concentration, pressure, and temperature. There is very limited literature available on model development to understand the impacts of various input parameters on the products of HTG. This study presents the development of a detailed process model for HTG and the illustration of process parameters on the gas product yields. The approach includes developing the system model, identifying the key process parameters in the reactor setup that affect syngas yield, and understanding the overall process in terms of final product yield. A simulation of hydrothermal gasification based on thermodynamic equilibrium is studied. Based on the developed process model about 52.1 t/day of hydrogen can be produced from 500 t/day of wet algal biomass. This shows the potential of large-scale hydrogen production through this process for the hydrogen economy. The results from this study could be used by the gas processing industry and policymakers to determine the most feasible means of converting biomass-based resources into gaseous fuels.T01-P05 | Publication | 2021-04-01 | Mayank Kumar, Adetoyese Oyedun, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Rheology of fiber suspension flows in pipeline hydro-transport of biomass feedstockT01-P05 | Publication | 2020-12-16 | Ali Faghania Faghania Ali, "Samya Sen", Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Techno-economic assessment of a biomass-MSW integrated waste-to-value-added facilityT13-M01 | Publication | 2020-10-01 | Prashant Patel, Mahdi Vaezi, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| EU-Canada cooperation on climate changeT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-11-23 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a techno-economic model for the assessment of chemical looping combustion to produce hydrogenT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-26 | "Karina Anaya", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of vanadium recovery from bitumen spent catalystT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-26 | "Baritto Miguel", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Blending blue hydrogen with natural gas for direct consumption: Examining the effect of hydrogen concentration on transportation and well-to-combustion greenhouse gas emissionsT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-26 | Giovanni DiLullo, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Greenhouse gas emission implications of blending blue hydrogen in natural gas pipelines for large-scale utilizationT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-14 | Giovanni DiLullo, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of techno-economic models for assessment of heavy metal production from by-products produced in bitumen value chainT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-14 | "Miguel Baritto", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Integration of scale and optimal location for development of commercial scale biorefinery.T13-M01 | Activity | 2020-10-14 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Large scale hydrogen production from alternative sources: a comprehensive assessmentT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-07-13 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| An Integrated GIS-based framework for optimal siting of biorefineriesT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-07-06 | "M Islam", "Rhosni Sebastian", Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Future Energy system overviewT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-06-23 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of Vanadium recovery from spent catalysts from the upgrading and refining of bitumenT13-M01 | Activity | 2020-05-11 | "M Baritto", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Thermo-catalytic reforming of Alberta-based biomass feedstock to produce biofuelsT01-F01 | Publication | 2021-09-15 | Manjot Gill, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, "Andreas Hornung", Raj Gupta | T01-F01 |
| Assessment of biomass resource in China and Canada and the potential for bilateral biomass trade for co-firingT01-T01 | Activity | 2018-10-17 | Vinoj Kurian, "Weng Y", A O Oyedun, M S Islam, "Cai W", "Chang S", "Linwei M", Amit Kumar, Evan G R Davies | T01-T01 |
| Current availability assessment of biomass resource in China and Canada and the potential for bilateral biomass trade to develop biomass co-firing in Chinese coal power plantsT01-T01 | Activity | 2019-09-25 | "Rui Wang", "Wenjia Cai", Amit Kumar, "Linwei Ma", "Shiyan Chang", "Yaoyu Nie" | T01-T01 |
| Interview on the biobatteryT01-F01 | Activity | 2017-10-28 | Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| Award for Research Excellence2020 APEGA Summit Award for Research Excellence is awarded to a member by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) in recognition of conducting innovative research in engineering or geoscience that has been successfully applied to improve economic and social well-being, 2020.T13-M01 | Award | 2020-05-29 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Intermediate Pyrolysis of Boreal Forest Residues for Production of Biofuels. T01-F01 | Activity | 2021-07-12 | Bijay Dhakal, Manjot Gill, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar, Raj Gupta, "Hornung A" | T01-F01 |
| Using proxy models and adaptive sampling to integrate complex engineering models into life cycle assessments of energy systemsT13-M01 | Activity | 2021-12-07 | Giovanni DiLullo, Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Assessment of options for reduction of energy and GHG emissions for pulp and paper sector. T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-02-07 | Christophe Owttrim, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Thermo-catalytic reforming of Canadian agricultural residues to produce biofuelsT01-F01 | Activity | 2021-07-05 | Bijay Dhakal, Vinoj Kurian, Ankit Gupta, Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| Integrated assessment of environmental footprints for energy scenarios. Second annual progress report submitted to Future Energy Systems T13-P01 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T13-P01 |
| Assessment of technologies developed under Future Energy SystemsT13-P04 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Hydrothermal torrefaction of high moisture content biomassT01-P05 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Life cycle assessment of energy system transitionsT13-C01 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T13-C01 |
| Decentralized production of fuel from forest and agricultural wasteT01-F01 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T01-F01 |
| NSERC/Cenovus/Alberta Innovates Associate Industrial Chair Program in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering. T13-M02 | Publication | 2021-05-03 | Amit Kumar | T13-M02 |
| The Upgrading of Bio-Oil via HydrodeoxygenationT13-M01 | Publication | 2019-12-13 | Adetoyese Oyedun, Madhumita Patel, Mayank Kumar, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Investigating the techno-economic and environmental performance of chemical looping technology for hydrogen productionInvestigating the techno-economic and environmental performance of chemical looping technology for hydrogen productionT13-P04, T13-M01 | Publication | 2023-01-19 | "Anaya K", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04, T13-M01 |
| The development of a techno-economic model for assessment of vanadium recovery from bitumen upgrading spent catalystThe development of a techno-economic model for assessment of vanadium recovery from bitumen upgrading spent catalystT13-M01 | Publication | 2022-05-31 | "Baritto M", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Estimation of life cycle GHG emissions of asphaltene-based carbon fibers derived from oil sands bitumenEstimation of life cycle GHG emissions of asphaltene-based carbon fibers derived from oil sands bitumenT13-M01 | Publication | 2017-01-01 | "Baritto M", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Investigating the techno-economic performance of chemical looping technology for hydrogen productionInvestigating the techno-economic performance of chemical looping technology for hydrogen production. Carbon Capture Canada ConferenceT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-09-22 | "Anaya K", Amit Kumar, Olufemi Oni | T13-M01 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions and cost footprints of asphaltene-based carbon fibers derived from oil sands bitumenT13-M01 | Activity | 2022-10-26 | "Baritto M", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Development of a valorization framework for biogenic CO2 emissions from kraft pulp mills.T01-P05 | Activity | 2022-10-26 | "Dwivedi A", F M Khan, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| LCA/TEA of biomass with carbon removal and storage (BiCRS)Amit Kumar - Invited expert panelist.
LCA/TEA of biomass with carbon removal and storage (BiCRS)T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-07-28 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Analyzing the techno-economic aspects of co-processing fast pyrolysis bio-oil with conventional vacuum gas oil for the production of liquid fuels.Analyzing the techno-economic aspects of co-processing fast pyrolysis bio-oil with conventional vacuum gas oil for the production of liquid fuels.T01-P05 | Activity | 2022-07-20 | "Sreekumar A", Olufemi Oni, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Hydrogen for decarbonization of aviation sector.Hydrogen for decarbonization of aviation sector.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-26 | Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Life cycle GHG emissions assessment of vanadium recovery from spent catalysts from bitumen upgraders.Life cycle GHG emissions assessment of vanadium recovery from spent catalysts from bitumen upgraders.T13-M01 | Activity | 2022-05-25 | "Baritto M", Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-M01 |
| Techno-economic assessment of co-processing of fast pyrolysis bio-oil with fossil fuel derived vacuum gas oilTechno-economic assessment of co-processing of fast pyrolysis bio-oil with fossil fuel derived vacuum gas oilT01-P05 | Activity | 2022-05-12 | "Sreekumar A", Olufemi Oni, Vinoj Kurian, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment for carbon recyclingWorkshop on carbon management dealing with CO2 emissions to approach net zero. The goal of the presentation was to share the advancements on the Canada-Japan collaboration aims at creating a common LCA/TEA methodology for carbon recycling. T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-03-11 | "Shinichirou Morimoto", "Jalil Shadbahr", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Integrated Assessment of Decarbonization PathwaysPresentation Summary:
Integrated Assessment of GHG mitigation technologies in an energy system is critical to evaluate the full impact on the energy system which can help in policy formulation and investment decision-making.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and Techno-economic assessment (TEA) only give partial picture for GHG mitigation technologies and their impacts on energy system.
Water impacts of the decarbonization technologies is critical in decision making.
LEAP & WEAP helps in conducting integrating assessment of energy systems.
T13-P04 | Activity | 2024-09-10 | Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Water intensity for hydrogen production with and without carbon capture and sequestrationLow-carbon hydrogen has gained significant attention, particularly in nations with abundant fossil fuel reserves. While the techno-economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission performance of hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage (CCS) is well understood, its impact on water demand remains underexplored. This study evaluates water demand, including water withdrawal, consumption, and discharge, in hydrogen production via steam methane reforming (SMR), auto-thermal reforming (ATR), and natural gas decomposition (NGD), both with and without CCS. CO2 is captured using commercially available amine scrubbing technology and transported via CO2 pipelines. Three SMR-CCS configurations were analyzed: SMR-52 % (52 % CO2 capture from syngas), SMR-85 % (85 % CO2 capture from syngas and flue gas in separate units), and SMR-86 % (86 % CO2 capture from syngas and flue gas in one integrated unit). Water withdrawal values (L/kg-H2) for SMR, ATR, catalytic-thermal NGD, plasma NGD, SMR-52 %, SMR-85 %, SMR-86 %, ATR-CCS, and catalytic-thermal NGD-CCS are 10.29, 14.27, 5.37, 22.57, 12.10, 18.41, 23.36, 16.98, and 7.32, respectively. Water consumption values are 5.34, 9.33, 4.30, 16.73, 6.91, 11.01, 14.43, 11.69, and 5.68 L/kg-H2, respectively. Hydrogen production efficiency was evaluated through net energy ratios (NERs), which range from 0.43 to 0.76. The findings indicate that CCS increases water demand while reducing overall hydrogen production efficiency. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, helping identify challenges and opportunities for sustainable hydrogen deployment, particularly in water-scarce regions.T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-10-01 | "Karina Anaya", Abayomi Olufemi Oni, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| The development of process-based techno-economic models for the assessment of critical minerals recovery from bitumen extraction tailingsCritical minerals such as zircon and titanium are essential for the development of a low-carbon economy, with increasing demand driven by advancements in renewable energy technologies. Bitumen extraction tailings, specifically from froth treatment operations, represent an underused source of these minerals. This study presents a techno-economic assessment of recovering zircon and titanium from bitumen froth treatment tailings (FTT). The process has two stages: heavy mineral concentration and separation. In the first stage, tailings undergo desliming, flotation, and solvent extraction to concentrate heavy minerals. In the second stage, the concentrate is separated into zircon, rutile, ilmenite, and leucoxene using flotation, gravity, electrostatic, and magnetic techniques. A data-intensive process model was developed to calculate material and energy balances, equipment sizes, capital and operating costs, and internal rate of return (IRR). A plant processing 15.5 million tonnes of tailings annually can recover 157,000 tonnes of heavy minerals, generating an IRR of 9.8% at current market prices for zircon and rutile. Separating the process into two stages results in an IRR of 7.6%, with capacity and zircon price being the most influential factors. Sensitivity analysis shows that the IRR could range from 6.9% to 11.5% depending on input uncertainties. This study provides valuable insights for stakeholders interested in the economic potential of recovering critical minerals from bitumen extraction waste, supporting the circular economy and energy transition goals.
T13-P04 | Publication | 2025-10-01 | "Miguel Baritto", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Forecasting residential and nonresidential solid waste generation, disposal, and diversion using three machine learning approachesAccurate forecasting of solid waste quantities is essential for sustainable waste management planning, yet limited research exists in this area. This study develops a framework to forecast solid waste generation, disposal, and diversion quantities using three machine learning (ML) approaches: artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The forecasting framework is based on 12 socioeconomic variables, the values of which were derived from publicly available data sources. Projections for 2023 to 2050 were developed considering data preprocessing, training, and testing, to create reliable datasets. Correlation analysis was used to rank predictor and response variables, and statistical tests were conducted to identify heteroscedasticity and linear relationships. A case study was conducted for Canada and four provinces: Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Ontario (ON), and Quebec (QC). The results show that ML algorithms predict solid waste effectively, achieving coefficients of determination (R2) of 99.9% with ANNs and 98.6% with SVMs. The total waste generation for Canada, forecast through ANNs, SVMs, and MLRs, increased by 18.29%, 22.45%, and 22.61%, respectively, in the 28 years from 2023 to 2050. In 2050, the projected values of waste generation using the three methods were 43.67, 45.14, and 44.47 million tonnes, respectively, in Canada. ANN forecasts for 2050 project 7.75 million tonnes in AB, 5.36 in BC, 17.85 in ON, and 8.81 in QC. Waste generation is increasing with increasing population size. The method developed here can be used globally with appropriate data adjustments. The results can help in policy development and decision making.T01-P05 | Publication | 2025-07-05 | Md Mashum Billal, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Advancing synthetic fuel technology: A model study for the integration of direct air carbon capture and diesel synthesisDirect air capture (DAC) integrated with solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) and Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis is a promising way to produce carbon-neutral liquid fuels. However, the high demand for renewable electricity, particularly from electrolytic hydrogen production, and limited cross-process integration pose key challenges to this mode of production. This study addressed these constraints by modeling a fully integrated DAC–SOEC–FT diesel system using a commercial, equation-oriented simulation platform under steady-state conditions and assuming that renewable power supplied the SOEC unit. The process design incorporated thermal and process-level integration with waste heat from the calciner, FT reactor, and SOEC burner repurposed for internal heating and feed conditioning. System-derived byproducts (e.g., naphtha, purge gases) were used as internal fuels to minimize external energy inputs and avoid additional emissions. Results showed that under ideal thermal integration scenarios, the theoretical internal recovery of up to 78% of total process heat could substantially reduce reliance on external utilities. While SOEC remained the primary electricity consumer (29.8 MWh/t-diesel), internal energy recovery mitigated auxiliary demands. Cradle-to-gate CO2 emissions were net-negative and reached –1.20 kg-CO2/kg-diesel in Japan and –1.56 kg-CO2/kg-diesel in Canada. These results emphasized the strong synergies unlocked by integrated system design and offered a pathway toward energy-efficient, carbon-negative synthetic diesel suited for hard-to-abate transport sectors.T13-P04 | Publication | 2026-01-10 | "Alexander Guzman-Urbina", "Tantiwatthanaphanich Thanapan", "Karina Anaya", "Jalil Shadbahr", Amit Kumar, "Giovanna Gonzales-Calienes", "Shinichirou Morimoto" | T13-P04 |
| Hydrogen as a key enabler for CO₂ utilization: A case study on methanol production, Canadian Hydrogen ConventionThe study offers insights into the role of hydrogen in industrial decarbonization by examining the interactions among carbon capture, renewable hydrogen sources, and regional energy policies. These insights are intended to support policymakers and industry stakeholders in leveraging hydrogen to achieve emissions reduction goals and advance Canada's low-carbon energy transition.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-04-23 | "Karina Anaya", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Canada-Switzerland Seminar on HydrogenInvited speaker to the 5 min Pitch session of the seminarT13-P04 | Activity | 2025-05-23 | Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Integrated assessment of methane reduction technologies in Canada’s oil and gas sector. In this study, a bottom-up methane-emissions model of the oil and gas sector is developed, encompassing the natural gas (tight gas, conventional gas, associated gas, coalbed methane, and shale gas formations), conventional oil (light and heavy oil) and oil sands (in-situ and surface-mined) sub-sectors. These sub-sectors are modelled over a period of 60 years (1990-2050), with historical years used to validate the model. Using Alberta as a case study, numerous methane emission reduction technologies are assessed, with pneumatic devices, vapour recovery units, compressor packing upgrades, and leak detection and repair as key technologies in the natural gas and conventional oil sub-sectors. Additional technologies include, but are not limited to, plunger lifts, flash tank separators, and electric motors. Emerging technologies, such as catalytic oxidizers, are also explored for their potential applications across all three sub-sectors. In the oil sands sub-sector, tailings pond methane capture and vapour recovery units are critical technologies. This research will project the market adoption of technologies, the maximum methane reduction technical potential, and the cost-effective reduction potential. Preliminary findings indicate that Canada is on track to surpass its 75% methane emissions reduction goal by 2030. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights to policymakers and industry decision-makers in identifying cost-effective pathways for methane emissions reduction, as well as if net-zero targets are achievable.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-05-26 | Goodluck Agu, Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Development of a framework for the assessment of biohubsT01-P05 | Activity | 2025-06-10 | Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| The development of a framework to forecast the availability of biomass feedstocks up to 2050 using AIThis study aims to forecast MSW quantities in Canada as a whole as well as in four major provinces in Canada, namely, Alberta (AB), British Columbia (BC), Ontario (ON), and Quebec (QC), using three different machine learning (ML) approaches. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and multiple linear regression (MLR) models are used to predict the quantity of solid waste disposal and diversion. The predictions modeled were based on twelve socio-economic variables whose values were derived from Statistics Canada, and the projections were made for the years 2023 to 2050. This study performed a correlation analysis to rank the socio-economic variables for measuring the ML model's performance and conducted statistical tests to determine if the predictor variables were statistically significant. Data preprocessing, training, and testing were performed in MATLAB simulation software to create reliable datasets. We found that machine learning algorithms are effective for developing models to predict disposal and diversion of solid waste with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 99.9% from ANNs and 98.6% from SVMs. The total waste generation for Canada forecasted through ANNs, SVMs, and MLRs increased 22.90%, 25.76%, and 24.18%, respectively, in the 28 years from 2023 to 2050. The approaches used in this study demonstrate the feasibility of creating solid waste forecasting models to guide the design of waste management systems.T01-P05 | Activity | 2025-06-10 | Md Mashum Billal, Amit Kumar | T01-P05 |
| Circular economy of plastic waste via chemical recycling routes: A pathway towards sustainability, resource optimization and waste utilizationThis process addresses two major challenges in waste management by reducing emissions linked to traditional plastic production and disposal and minimizing landfill contributions. Waste-to-chemicals (WtC) aligns with the principles of the circular economy by transforming nonrecyclable mixed plastics into high-demand products like HDPE. This process helps meet the rising need for sustainable resources, offering a viable pathway for industries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. The study emphasizes the efficiency and environmental sustainability of WtC for plastic manufacturing, supporting a shift toward a circular plastics economy where materials are continuously repurposed. This innovative approach to plastic waste management exemplifies the potential for a closed-loop system, ultimately advancing sustainable practices in the plastic industry.
T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-06-10 | "Shaivya Anand", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Co-processing hydrothermal liquefaction bio-oil with vacuum gas oil (VGO) in a conventional hydroprocessing unit for transportation fuelsCo-processing bio-oils with petroleum intermediates enables efficient transportation fuel production by integrating bio-oil upgrading into conventional refineries. Use of existing refineries reduces costs, enables flexible blending, and boosts renewable carbon for sustainable fuel production. Although co-processing of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) bio-oils and vacuum gas oils (VGO) have been studied in the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units, a key research gap exits in developing a comprehensive techno-economic assessment for the hydroprocessing pathway. In this study, a detailed process simulation model was developed to assess the co-processing of 7.5 vol% hydrodeoxygenated hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) bio-oil with VGO for transportation fuel production through hydrocracking. The results show that bio-oil blend attained 60.3% conversion for the 343oC+ fraction when processed at elevated reactor temperature as compared to the VGO feed. The range of light end for both the feed is 2.8 − 3.0 wt%; however, the VGO feed yields 3.9 wt% more naphtha but 2.5 wt% less diesel compared to the biocrude blend. Based on the process model, a comprehensive economic model was developed to analyze the increase in the capital cost for establishing the biorefinery infrastructure, and the minimum breakeven selling price (MBSP) of diesel from co-processing compared with the conventional MBSP of $70.56 per bbl. Sensitivity analysis showed that diesel price is highly sensitive to the fuel yields, biomass and VGO feed costs, capital costs, and hydrogen cost. This analysis provides baseline data on the economic feasibility and implications of integrating bio-oil co-processing into the petroleum industry.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-07-14 | "Arun Sreekumar", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
| Evaluation of CO₂ Integration in high-density polyethylene production: A techno-economic assessmentThe integration of captured CO₂ into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production offers a promising pathway to reducing carbon emissions while meeting industrial polymer demand. This study presents a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of a CO₂-to-HDPE process, The proposed pathway includes CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol, methanol-to-dimethyl ether (DME) conversion, DME-to-olefins synthesis, and subsequent polymerization into HDPE. Process models were developed for each of the pathways. Economic factors including capital investment, operating costs, and process viability are evaluated under optimized conditions. Simulation results highlight that process efficiency is strongly influenced by catalyst selection, reaction kinetics, and conversion rates at each stage. Hydrogen sourcing, CO₂ capture costs, and overall energy consumption determine economic feasibility. Sensitivity analysis identifies key profitability drivers, including catalyst performance, energy integration, and market pricing of CO₂-derived ethylene. While initial capital costs are higher than conventional fossil-based production, advancements in CO₂ conversion and hydrogen availability could enhance economic competitiveness. This study comprehensively assesses CO₂-based HDPE production, outlining optimization strategies to improve process efficiency and support the transition toward sustainable polymer manufacturing.T13-P04 | Activity | 2025-10-06 | "Pali Rosha", Amit Kumar | T13-P04 |
