Bioeconomy with algae - Life cycle sustainability assessment including biophysical climate impacts (ALBEDO) of an algae-based biorefinery

Maria Hingsamer, Neil Bird, Ingrid Kaltenegger, Gerfried Jungmeier, Dorinde Kleinegris, Packo Lamers, Sammy Boussiba, Liliana Rodolfi, Niels Henrik Norsker, Fons Jacobs, Marcus Fenton, Reza Ranjbar, Mervi Hujanen, Macarena Sanz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The viability of using microalgae for energy production depends on the overall sustainability (environmental, economic, social). The project FUEL4ME applies a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) providing scientific indicators for economic (e.g. operational costs, investment cost, trade effects, effects on employment), environmental (global warming potential, cumulated primary energy demand, land use) and social aspects (e.g. regional cooperations, product responsibility, labour practices) of an algae-based biorefinery (production of biofuels and PUFAs). Climate change impacts usually focus only on the bio/chemical contribution (i.e. greenhouse gases) but within FUEL4ME biophysical climate impacts due to albedo change were included in the assessment of the global warming potential. A comparison using the LCSA results of a modelled full scale commercial FUEL4ME process was made to analyse the gap between the current TRL and guiding values for TRL 9. Due to actual demonstrated state of technology (current TRL) further technology development is needed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1453-1455
JournalEuropean Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings
Volume2017
Issue number25thEUBCE
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2017

Keywords

  • Albedo
  • Biorefinery
  • Greenhouse gases (GHG)
  • Life cycle sustainability assessment
  • Microalgae

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