Title:
Consequential LCA and CBA of Advanced Biofuels Based on Biomass Residues - Case Studies for Flanders
Author(s):
Pelkmans, L., De Caevel, B., Van Overbeke, E., Huppertz, T., De Vos, M. , Standaert, S. , Vanaken, N.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Considering the anticipated growing demand for biomass residues for advanced biofuels in the coming years, an assessment framework based on consequential LCA (life-cycle assessment) and CBA (cost-benefit analysis) was developed and applied to representative case studies in Flanders, centered around corn stover; forestry residues; woody fractions of green waste; and post-consumer wood waste. The purpose of consequential modelling is to support policy decisions, based on the consequences they carry. The assumptions related to these consequences (and actions to compensate for e.g. loss of nutrients) turned out to be highly influential for the results. Difference in biogenic CO2 emissions - with a reduction or increase of soil carbon storage - also need to be taken into account.When the reference scenario is that biomass is left on the ground, there tends to be a substantial environmental advantage of using these (within sustainability limits) to produce biofuels and thereby replacing fossil fuels. If a biomass resource is already used (or is expected to be used) for another (energy) application, the greenhouse gas benefit associated with its use can be much smaller or even negative if it means that the other application switches back to fossil resources. On the other hand, there can be positive effects on air quality when certain biomass combustion processes are avoided.Considering the high sensitivity of the results on the consequential assumptions, it is important to dig deeper in expected policies, technology evolutionsandmarket interactions in order to reduce the uncertainty of the results.
Keywords:
biofuel, biomass, sustainability, policies, life cycle assessment (LCA), cost-benefit analysis
Topic:
Sustainable Bioeconomy: Impacts and Policies
Subtopic:
Environmental Impacts
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4CO.14.2
Pages:
1107 - 1115
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-4CO.14.2
Price:
FREE
