Our projects have led to the publication of a number of reports, articles, journal papers and other outputs. Publicly available examples of our work are given by sector below – please note that a large proportion of our work is conducted for clients on a confidential basis, hence we are unable to share these details.
Biomass and Waste for Energy
Carbon Reporting under the RTFO (ongoing)
The Carbon Reporting scheme under the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation was developed by E4tech, working closely with a range of stakeholders – in particular the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. The scheme, which has been in operation since 2008, requires companies supplying biofuel in the UK to provide carbon intensity information for all biofuel supplied. E4tech continues to provide the Renewable Fuels Agency with implementation support for this scheme.
For further details, see the RFA’s website, a presentation on “Converting the RTFO to a RED compliant lifecycle GHG methodology” to the RFA (6th October 2009), and a presentation “RTFO Carbon Reporting” to the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (7th November 2007)
The RFA carbon calculator (ongoing)
A carbon intensity calculation methodology and software tool for biofuels, which is periodically updated with new fuel chains, for use by the industry in complying with the carbon and sustainability reporting requirements of the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. Further details are available on the UK Renewable Fuels Agency’s website
Modelling of indirect land use change impacts of biofuel chains (ongoing)
The UK Department for Transport has commissioned E4tech to develop, and demonstrate the validity of, fuel chain specific ILUC factors using a descriptive-causal approach. The project will also involve extensive stakeholder engagement to capture the best available scientific and economic evidence. A description of the project is available here
The potential for biofuels in aviation (2009)
Analysis, for the UK Committee on Climate Change, of technical performance, costs, carbon savings and sustainability of existing and novel biofuels technologies for use in aviation. Published as part of the CCC’s review of the potential for emissions reduction in aviation
Biomass supply curves for the UK (2009)
As part of the UK’s Renewable Energy Strategy, E4tech created supply cost curves for a range of different biomass feedstocks in the UK, out to 2030 under four different global policy scenarios. The final report is available for download on the Department for Energy and Climate Change website
Review of Technologies for Gasification of Biomass and Wastes (2009)
The National Non-Food Crops Centre commissioned E4tech to provide a review of current and emerging gasifier technologies that are suitable for liquid fuel production from syngas, including their type, characteristics, status, prospects and costs, together with their suitability for the UK, in terms of suitable feedstocks and scales
Bioenergy – a Sustainable and Reliable Energy Source (2009)
A review of the bioenergy sector for the International Energy Agency (IEA) aimed at decision makers in policy and industry. It provides a global perspective of the potential for bioenergy, the main opportunities for deployment in the short and medium term, and the principal issues and challenges facing the development of the sector. An executive summary is available here – the full report will be available online in late 2009. Preliminary findings were presented by Vuille, F. (2008) “Biomass availability and supply issues” at CEE Biomass: Insight into the growing Biomass market event, 8th December 2008
The RSB GHG accounting scheme: Feasibility of a meta-standard and way forward (2009)
A report for the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels on options for the development of a GHG accounting scheme for biofuels
Focus for success: A new approach to commercialising low carbon technologies (2009)
This Carbon Trust study examines the UK’s innovation system for six technologies. E4tech conducted an in-depth economic, engineering and commercial analysis of ligno-cellulosic ethanol based on hydrolysis and fermentation (second generation biofuels), and contributed to the review of UK and international innovation systems and industrial policy. The executive summary is available from the Carbon Trust website
Vuille, F. (2009)
“What After Oil: Prospects and Barriers for Clean Energy Technologies” Geneva Times, January / February 2009, pp. 9-12. Available for download here
Biofuels Review: Scenario development (2008)
This report developed scenarios for future global demand for different feedstocks for biofuels in 2010 and 2020. These were then used to derive land area requirement for biofuel production. Part of input to the Gallagher Review on the Indirect Effects of Biofuels, available from the Renewable Fuels Agency website
Biofuels Review: Advanced Technologies Overview (2008)
This report examined the potential contribution of advanced technologies and feedstocks with limited or no land demand. This was an input to the Gallagher Review on the Indirect Effects of Biofuels, available from the Renewable Fuels Agency website.
Economic and Environmental Impacts of Government Support for Biodiesel Production from Tallow (2008)
A report to the UK Department of Transport on the industry impacts of supporting biodiesel production from tallow, to inform any changes to the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. In conjunction with AEA Technology, Metroeconomica, and Miller-Klein.
For further information, see the DfT’s website
Development of a Biofuel Label: Feasibility Study (2008)
A report by Ecofys and E4tech, for the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, into the potential for the introduction of a voluntary sustainability label for biofuels. The accompanying news announcement is available on the Low CVP website
Building A UK Transport Supply-Side Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (2008)
As part of its evaluation of the potential for GHG emissions reduction in the UK economy, the Committee on Climate Change commissioned a supply-side MACC model for the UK transport sector. The model and input data was put together by a consortium of AEA Technology, E4Tech (on biofuels), Metronomica, Ricardo, IEEP and CE Delft. The Technical Appendix describing the work can be found on the CCC’s website.
Watson, P. (2008)
“Low Carbon Fuel Policies in Europe”, National Conference on Low Carbon Fuel Standard for Canada, 3rd June 2008. Available from here
Methodology and Guidance for Carbon Reporting under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (2006)
This Project Initiation Document describes in detail the necessary calculations for biofuel carbon reporting, the scope of emissions included, treatment of co-products, and attributed default values. This Technical Guidance also explains how to use the methodology, the reporting process and verification procedures
A methodology and tool for calculating the carbon intensity of biofuels (2006)
This report develops the basic methodology structure, explains the requirements of the tool, demonstrates the tool’s applicability to an example biofuel chain (wheat to ethanol), and describes the next key steps for standardised reporting and certification with the RTFO. In conjunction the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management Ltd, and Themba Technology
Global Bioenergy Partnership – White Paper (2005)
This White Paper discusses how the Global Bioenergy Partnership could contribute to the development and deployment of bioenergy in developed and developing countries, based on a review of the barriers facing bioenergy, existing international activities directed at bioenergy development and deployment, and the identification of areas of action where it is believed that a Partnership could add value. Prepared by the Italian Ministry for the Environment and Territory
with the participation of Imperial College London, Itabia and E4tech
Feasibility study on certification for a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (2005)
This study addressed whether and how greenhouse gas, broader environmental and social schemes should be linked to an RTFO. In conjunction with Imperial College London, and the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management Ltd.
An Analysis of the Use of Biomass for Energy (2004)
Paper commissioned by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution as part of their report “Biomass as a Renewable Energy Source”
BioPowerSwitch! a Biomass Blueprint to Meet 15% of OECD Electricity Demand by 2020 (2004)
A report prepared for WWF International and Aebiom, by E4tech and the Centre for Energy Policy and Technology, Imperial College.
Liquid biofuels and hydrogen from renewable resources in the UK to 2050: a technical analysis (2003)
An assessment of the implications of achieving ultra-low carbon road transport. Report for the UK Department for Transport
Biomass for heat and power in the UK (2003)
A techno-economic assessment of the UK’s long-term potential, for the UK Department of Trade and Industry. This report analysed the most promising biomass routes to heat and power, including economic benefits for the UK, together with barriers to development and policy measures to overcome them
Bauen, A. (2000)
"Sustainable heat and electricity supply from gasification-based biomass fuel cycles: the case of Sweden and the UK", Renewable Energy, World Renewable Energy Congress VI, Brighton, pp. 1381-1384
Groscurth, H.M., de Almeida, A., Bauen, A., et al. (2000)
"Total costs and benefits of biomass energy in selected regions of the European Union", Energy - The International Journal 25, 1081-1095
Fuel Cells & Hydrogen
Hart, D., Anghel, A.T., Huijsmans, J. and Vuille, F. (2009)
“A quasi-Delphi study on technological barriers to the uptake of hydrogen as a fuel for transport applications – Production, storage and fuel cell drivetrain considerations” Journal of Power Sources,
193 (1), pp. 298-307
Introduction to hydrogen energy projects (2006)
This study for Highland & Islands Enterprise identified and assessed various hydrogen energy opportunities across the region. E4tech, Element Energy and the Pure Energy Centre conducted a workshop in each Local Enterprise Company area to introduce the hydrogen energy opportunity and identify potential project ideas
The Economics of a European Hydrogen Automotive Infrastructure (2005)
A study for Linde AG, evaluating the costs of a hydrogen filling station network built in and between the major urban centres in Europe, based on centralised and decentralised scenarios out to 2030. Linde’s summary of the Hart Report can be found the page 10 of their technology brief
Strategic Framework for Hydrogen (2005)
Building upon an earlier scoping study, E4tech and partners Element energy and Eoin Lees Energy identified how the UK should engage in hydrogen energy activities for maximum benefit to 2030, and prepared a framework for action. A Ministerial announcement in June 2005 launched a new programme based closely on our recommendations
Review of Fuel Cell Commercial Potential (2003)
A review of the current status and commercial potential for fuel cells in the UK, carried out by E4tech for the UK Department of Trade and Industry and The Carbon Trust
Bauen A., Foradini F., Hart D. (2003)
Hydrogen, fuel cells and renewable energy integration in islands, WHEC, 2nd International Conference on IAQ and ECB, Montreal, 2003
Transport Systems
What policies are effective at reducing carbon emissions from surface passenger transport? (2009)
A review of interventions to encourage behavioural and technological change, produced by the Technology and Policy Assessment Function of the UK Energy Research Centre, and E4tech
Montemurro, F. (2009)
“The Impact of EVs on an Electricity System with High Renewable Penetration” Energy Supply dialogue session at EVS 24: the 24th International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium, May 13-16, 2009, Stavanger, Norway
Chase, A. (2009)
“Getting the big picture right”, presentation at the AWBriefing Event Fully Charged? Shaping the Future of Electric Vehicles, 16th July 2009, London. [Available to delegates only]
Chase, A. (2008)
“Big Solutions for Big Problems”, presentation at the AWBriefing Event The Global Oil Paradox: Transforming the Automotive Industry, 21st October 2008, London. [Available to delegates only]
Chase, A. (2007)
“Low Carbon Transport: Policy Aspiration or Profit Opportunity?”, presentation at the Automotive World Conference Innovation and Growth in the UK Automotive Industry: The Next Ten Years, 30th October 2007, London
A review of the UK Innovation System for Low Carbon Road Transport Technologies (2007)
E4tech provided a review of innovation in low carbon vehicles for the UK Department for Transport which formed an integral part of the Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy (LCTIS)
UK Carbon Reduction Potential From Technologies In The Transport Sector (2006)
A report commissioned by the UK Department for Transport, as part of the preparatory work for the Government’s Energy Review
Distributed & Renewable Energy Systems
Bauen, A. (2006)
“Future energy sources and systems—Acting on climate change and energy security” Journal of Power Sources, Vol 157, Issue 2, 3 July 2006, pp. 893-901
Foxon, T. J., Gross, R., Chase, A., Howes, J., Arnall A. and Anderson, D. (2005)
"UK innovation systems for new and renewable energy technologies: drivers, barriers and systems failures" Energy Policy, Volume 33, Issue 16, Pages 2123-2137
Bauen, A., Hart, D. and Chase, A. (2003)
“Fuel cells for distributed generation in developing countries – An analysis”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 28, 2003, pp. 695-701
Foradini, F. (2003)
"Legge sulla liberalizzazione: dopo il rifiuto i commenti", Nuova Energia, Numero 2
Hart, D., Bauen, A., Leach, M. and Papathanasiou, D. (2001)
"Decentralised Electricity" Financial Times Energy Publishing
Bauen, A. and Hart, D. (2000)
"Opportunities for fuel cell-based renewable energy supply in decentralised applications", Renewable Energy (World Renewable Energy Congress VI), 2551-2554
Sustainable Buildings
MaterialsDB.org
tool for facilitating information exchange between building material providers and building physics software.
C.-A Roulet, F. Flourentzou, F. Foradini, P. Bluyssen,
Multicriteria analysis of health, comfort and
energy ef¢ciency in buildings, BUILDING RESEARCH & INFORMATION (2006) 34(5), 475–482
C-A Roulet, N. Johner, F. Foradini, P. Bluyssen, C. Cox, E. Fernandes, B. Müller, C. Aizlewood
Perceived health and comfort in relation to
energy use and building characteristics, BUILDING RESEARCH & INFORMATION (2006) 34(5), 467–474
C.-A. Roulet, B. Oostra, F. Foradini, Ch. Cox
(2005) Designing Healthy, Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Buildings: Lessons From Enquiries Within the European HOPE Project. CLIMA 2005 Lausanne
Roulet, C.-A., Cox, C. & Foradini, F.
(2005) Creating healthy and energy-efficient buildings: lessons learned from the HOPE project. Indoor Air. Beijing.
Johner, N., Roulet, C.-A., Oostra, A., Nicol, L. A. & Foradini, F.
(2005) Correlations between SBS, perceived comfort, energy use and other building characteristics in European office and residential buildings. Indoor Air. Beijin.
Bluyssen, P. M., Cox, C., Boschi, N., Maroni, M., Raw, G., Roulet, C.-A. & Foradini, F.
(2003) European Project HOPE (Health Optimisation Protocol For Energy-Efficient Buildings). Healthy Buildings. Singapore.
Roulet, C.-A. & Foradini, F.
(2001) Soft Air Conditioning In Storage Rooms. CLIMA 2000. Napoli, AICARR, Milano.
Dahu, diagnosis of air handling units
The report presents the methods applied, the principles used in the test protocol, and an example of application to real air handling units. (report)
Roulet, C.-A.; Heidt F. D.; Foradini F.; Pibiri M.-C.
(2000), Real Heat Recovery with Air Handling Units, Energy and Buildings
Roulet C.-A.; Foradini F.; Pibiri M.-C.
(1998), MéDITA - Méthode de Diagnostic des Installations de Traitement d'Air - La méthode et ses résultats, ZEN seminar in Zurich