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Miscanthus production and processing in Ireland: An analysis of energy requirements and environmental impacts
Author(s)
Date Issued
2013-07
Date Available
2014-09-30T09:09:26Z
Abstract
The environmental impact of bioenergy supply systems can be determined using life cycle assessment methodologies. This study focuses on the impact of production of Miscanthus pellets and briquettes, potentially used to satisfy renewable energy requirements in Ireland. The impact categories considered are particularly important when assessing bioenergy systems; global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and energy demand. The scope of the study incorporates Miscanthus cultivation, harvest, processing and transport to a biomass distributor. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effects of changes in keys variables on the overall environmental impacts of the system. The scenarios examined include replacement of synthetic fertilisers with biosolids, Miscanthus processing by pelleting and briquetting, and transport distances of 50 and 100 km. Results indicate that maintenance and processing of the Miscanthus crop have the most environmental impacts with transport having less of an effect. Replacing synthetic fertiliser with biosolids results in a reduction in global warming potential of 23–33% and energy demand of 12–18%, but raises both acidification and eutrophication potential by 290–400% and 258–300%, respectively. Pelleting of Miscanthus requires more energy than briquetting, hence has higher impacts in each category assessed. Increasing the transport distance from 50 to 100 km, results in a small increase in each impact category. Miscanthus briquette production compares favourably with wood pellet, kerosene, and coal production, with Miscanthus pelleting proving more environmentally damaging.
Sponsorship
Science Foundation Ireland
Other Sponsorship
Charles Parsons Energy Research Program
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume
23
Issue
2013
Start Page
412
End Page
420
Copyright (Published Version)
2013 Elsevier
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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