Case Studies
The following section showcases how the BioEnergy Atlas data and algorithms can be used for decision support. Each of these case studies represents a use case, where the capabilities of the SAEON BioEnergy Atlas data and modelling platform have been used to solve a real world application problem for project partners within the BioEnergy industry of South Africa.
Forestry Residue represents a significant source of biomass that has the potential to be used for sustainable energy production. this case study showcases scenarios for sustainable forestry residue utilisation and presents novel toolkits for assessing the sustainability of forestry residue utilisation.
The South African sugar industry is planning to transform and diversify sugar mills into bio-energy complexes which will produce ethanol and electricity in addition to sugar. This case study investigates the potential of sugarcane field residue (brown leaves, stalk, mulch) and sugarcane mill residue (bagasse) to produce bioethanol.
In South Africa, Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a direct threat not only to South Africa’s biological diversity, but also to water security, the ecological functioning of natural systems and the productive use of land. Programmes such as the DEFF-NRM Working for Water project have been established to facilitate the clearing of Invasive alien plant species. This case study investigates potential beneficiation options with the aim of producing BioEnergy products.
‘Women in biodiesel’ is a project to establish 10 small decentralized black women owned biodiesel enterprises to increase (renewable) energy access and gender transformation in South Africa. This case study describes the approach used for characterizing the volumes of used cooking oil produced in South Africa and also investigates the optimal locations to establish women owned biodiesel enterprises.
