Details

Title:

GHG Emissions of Forest-Biomass Supply Chains to Commercial-Scale Liquid-Biofuel Production Plants in Finland

Author(s):

Jäppinen, E., Korpinen, O.-J., Laitila, J., Ranta, T.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Commercial-scale liquid-biofuel production utilizing forest-based biomass would require feedstock supply from a large geographical area. This work assessed GHG emissions derived from the feedstock supply and transportation chain to three possible commercial-scale biodiesel plant locations in Finland at site-specific level. The supply of 7.2 PJ year-1 (approximately 1 million m3solid) of forest biomass (harvesting residues, stumps, and small-diameter energy wood) was assessed for each location, including four distinct scenarios for truck and railway transportation. Biomass availability and transportation-network assessments were conducted through utilization of geographical information system (GIS) methods, and the GHG emissions were assessed by means of life-cycle assessment (LCA). The results showed that the differences in supply chain GHG emissions between different plant locations can be effectively reduced through use of railway transportation from distant supply areas. Furthermore, the location and availability of biomass in the proximity of a given plant is not a decisive factor in supply-chain GHG emissions or the possible GHG savings to be achieved with energy use of forest biomass based products.

Keywords:

greenhouse gases (GHG), transportation, supply chain, feedstock

Topic:

Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability

Subtopic:

Sustainability assessment and criteria

Event:

21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

5DO.12.2

Pages:

1800 - 1810

ISBN:

978-88-89407-53-0

Paper DOI:

10.5071/21stEUBCE2013-5DO.12.2

Price:

FREE