Dear Aryam check this articles maybe usefull for you

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310840826_Renewable_energy_and_biodiversity_Implications_for_transitioning_to_a_Green_Economy

http://bioenfapesp.org/scopebioenergy/images/chapters/bioen-scope_introducao.pdf

https://www.osti.gov/scitech/servlets/purl/1265632

http://tesionline.unicatt.it/bitstream/10280/10802/1/PhD_thesis_Ferrarini_formato_libretto.pdf

Dear jaim,

You can see my lat paper about the energy in greenhouse vegetable production and the sustainability

Regards

IF you have access, have a read to the articles in this special issue: Article Special Issue on Pan American Biofuel and Bioenergy Sustainability

The articles in this special issue cover most sustainability aspects that must be taken into account when designing/assessiing biofuels and bioenergy systems.

what about trying to focus on the sustainability of stand-alone small waste to energy solutions on small (micro) farms?

As solar energy was our past and will be our future that is the best area to concentrate on. In terms of the dire predictions of Malthusian disaster these have been wrong for over 200 years and will continue to be wrong. Rattan Lal the world guru in soil sequestration has projected that raising soil organic matter by 2% would eliminate current fossil fuel emissions. While we need to continue to have more efficient energy resources and reduce our dependence on finite fossil fuels the crisis of greenhouse gases and climate change are surmountable. Since the agricultural revolution which brought about civilization the soil organic matter has plummeted from over 5% to less than 2% and many soils have less than 1%. Since organic matter is a major means of both capturing and recycling water and increases crop yield and quality this concentration has the best opportunity for both feeding growing populations and in counteracting greenhouse gases and mitigating the climate fluctuations.

According to Hoornweg et al (Worldbank, 2012) we are reaching solid waste generation rates of 2 Billion tons/year globally soon. More than 50% of that is organic waste. Besides, the global animal production may produce much more manures than that, often not treated in an environmental sound manner. Furthermore, microplastics emerge as a new global issues and deteriorate sludges from WTP and household septic tanks (the latter predominating with more than 70% in many low and medium income countries). Many researchers test the potential return of such sludges to farmlands, also due to recovery of natural fertilizer, especially phosphorus. But the ongoing (and increasing) pollution with synthetic microfibres may require innovative treatment of organic residues respectively new technologies in order to returned them to economy without harming the environment. The return of organic matter from large cities to farmlands seems to be unrealistic because of economic (transprot and distance) as well as quality considerations. New approaches to deal with organic residues in the urban context are needed and it may be worthwhile to provide 'better solutions', why not as bio-energy in cities..., which are the places were anergy is needed most but so far being served by 'fossil fuels'. However, I agree with Kenneth Towe, best you find your own 'passion' to focus on research you believe in. Best wishes, Johannes

Dear Aryam,

I am quite agreed with Mr Kenneth response. Yes my master's specialization was in Bio-energy production. And when I was enrolled for PhD i discussed with my supervisor abut my area of research interest. He became happy and allowed me to review latest literature available in your field. I reviewed and finally we succeeded. So I also would suggest you, you should work on those areas which you know about. Rather than wondering here and there start reviewing and there is lot of things still to do in so much researched area. And this is called the research.

Asim

A question that I've been trying to get addressed without much success, I might add is: Do Utility rates and rate structures Support or UNDERMINE energy Conservation?

I don't know if the question is relevant out the US, but it is most relevant here.