Title:
Energy from Biomass: a Life Cycle and Economic Analysis
Author(s):
Hennig, C., Gawor, M., Majer, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
This paper examines the economic and environmental impact of using biomass for energy generation. The aim is the identification of the most environmentally friendly and cost¬effective biomass conversion chains for electricity provision in Germany. To achieve these results several research steps were undertaken, including a life cycle analysis (LCA), an economic analysis and a sensitivity analysis. The LCA incorporates an assessment of significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, acidification, eutrophication, etc.. Currently, most of the available studies on this matter take mainly greenhouse gas emissions (in the form of CO2¬equivalents) into consideration. Following the life cycle analysis the considered biomass chains are examined under economic aspects. Thereby the electricity production costs and the economic feasibility of operating a specific biomass CHP plant are determined. The results show that the woody and gaseous biomass chains based on waste materials (biodegradable waste, manure) have the lowest environmental impacts as well as the lowest electricity production costs. All biomass chains show lower environmental impacts than the fossil reference and the current electricity mix in Germany, respectively.
Keywords:
economics, electricity, life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental impact, sensitivity analysis
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Sustainability assessment and criteria
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5DO.4.1
Pages:
2075 - 2079
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-5DO.4.1
Price:
FREE
