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Life cycle assessment of biofuels from an integrated Brazilian algae-sugarcane biorefinery

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  • Souza, Simone P.
  • Gopal, Anand R.
  • Seabra, Joaquim E.A.

Abstract

Sugarcane ethanol biorefineries in Brazil produce carbon dioxide, electricity and heat as byproducts. These are essential inputs for algae biodiesel production. In this paper, we assessed ethanol's life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use produced in an integrated sugarcane and algae biorefinery where biodiesel replaces petroleum diesel for all agricultural operations. Carbon dioxide from cane juice fermentation is used as the carbon source for algae cultivation, and sugarcane bagasse is the sole source of energy for the entire facility. Glycerin produced from the biodiesel plant is consumed by algae during the mixotrophic growth phase. We assessed the uncertainties through a detailed Monte-Carlo analysis. We found that this integrated system can improve both the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and the fossil energy use of sugarcane ethanol by around 10% and 50%, respectively, compared to a traditional Brazilian sugarcane ethanol distillery.

Suggested Citation

  • Souza, Simone P. & Gopal, Anand R. & Seabra, Joaquim E.A., 2015. "Life cycle assessment of biofuels from an integrated Brazilian algae-sugarcane biorefinery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 373-381.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:81:y:2015:i:c:p:373-381
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.12.050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Paixão, Susana M. & Alves, Luís & Pacheco, Rui & Silva, Carla M., 2018. "Evaluation of Jerusalem artichoke as a sustainable energy crop to bioethanol: energy and CO2eq emissions modeling for an industrial scenario," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 468-481.
    4. Maranduba, Henrique Leonardo & Robra, Sabine & Nascimento, Iracema Andrade & da Cruz, Rosenira Serpa & Rodrigues, Luciano Brito & Almeida Neto, José Adolfo de, 2016. "Improving the energy balance of microalgae biodiesel: Synergy with an autonomous sugarcane ethanol distillery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(P1), pages 888-895.
    5. Klein, Bruno Colling & Chagas, Mateus Ferreira & Watanabe, Marcos Djun Barbosa & Bonomi, Antonio & Maciel Filho, Rubens, 2019. "Low carbon biofuels and the New Brazilian National Biofuel Policy (RenovaBio): A case study for sugarcane mills and integrated sugarcane-microalgae biorefineries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    6. Acheampong, Michael & Ertem, Funda Cansu & Kappler, Benjamin & Neubauer, Peter, 2017. "In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 7: Will biofuels be reliable?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 927-937.
    7. Costa, Marina Weyl & Oliveira, Amir A.M., 2022. "Social life cycle assessment of feedstocks for biodiesel production in Brazil," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    8. Conteratto, Caroline & Artuzo, Felipe Dalzotto & Benedetti Santos, Omar Inácio & Talamini, Edson, 2021. "Biorefinery: A comprehensive concept for the sociotechnical transition toward bioeconomy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    9. Braud, L. & McDonnell, K. & Murphy, F., 2023. "Environmental life cycle assessment of algae systems: Critical review of modelling approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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