Life Cycle Assessment of Cynara cardunculus L. -Based Polygeneration and Biodiesel Chains

Given the current scenario of increasing environmental problems associated with the need for rapid energy transition, this article aimed to investigate the implementation of Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon), a plant with high environmental performance, as a source of energy resources. This study presented thLife Cycle Assessment of two energy production chains—for the polygeneration of power, heat, and cooling; and to produce biodiesel—fed with cardoon seeds, in addition to comparing these chains with the use of the traditional Italian grids (power and gas) and with the production of diesel based on palm, soybean, and rapeseed. Approximately 49 t of seeds were cultivated and processed, yielding 8.5 t of oil. The system boundaries encompass three main macro-phases, cardoon production, oil extraction, and, depending on the application, energy generation (polygeneration) or transesterification (biodiesel). The models were developed using the software SimaPro V9.3.0.2, and the inventory was based on the database ecoinvent V3.8. The Life Cycle Impact Assessment was performed using the ReCiPe V1.06 method at the midpoint (H) and endpoint (H/A) levels. Crude cardoon oil showed a global warming of 20–55% lower than other vegetable oils (palm, soybean, and rapeseed). In the case of biodiesel production, cardoon-based biodiesel presented a reduction in the impact burden by 12–57% compared to biodiesel based on palm, soybean, and rapeseed. With the use of oil in Polygeneration, a subtle increase in the impact burden was observed, with 13% more impact than the use of Italian power and gas grids.