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Agricultural anaerobic digestion plants: What LCA studies pointed out and what can be done to make them more environmentally sustainable

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  • Bacenetti, Jacopo
  • Sala, Cesare
  • Fusi, Alessandra
  • Fiala, Marco

Abstract

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has been recognized as a viable solution to produce renewable energy and to reduce global warming especially when secondary feedstock and/or wastes are used. Several LCA studies analysed the environmental performances of biogas production systems. The results of this review highlight that the goal, scope, life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methodology, feedstocks and geographical regions covered by the studies vary widely. Most studies are based in Europe, several in China and few in South and North America and in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Bacenetti, Jacopo & Sala, Cesare & Fusi, Alessandra & Fiala, Marco, 2016. "Agricultural anaerobic digestion plants: What LCA studies pointed out and what can be done to make them more environmentally sustainable," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 669-686.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:179:y:2016:i:c:p:669-686
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.07.029
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