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GHG Emissions and Efficiency of Energy Generation through Anaerobic Fermentation of Wetland Biomass

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  • Robert Czubaszek

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Str., 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Str., 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Piotr Banaszuk

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A Str., 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

Abstract

We conducted the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of energy production from biogas for maize and three types of wetland biomass: reed Phragmites australis , sedges Carex elata, and Carex gracilis , and “grassy vegetation” of wet meadows (WM). Biogas energy produced from maize reached over 90 GJ ha −1 , which was more than four times higher than that gained from wetland biomass. However, an estimation of energy efficiency (EE) calculated as a ratio of energy input to the energy produced in a biogas plant showed that the wet fermentation (WF) of maize was similar to the values obtained for dry fermentation (DF) of sedge biomass (~0.30 GJ GJ −1 ). The greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions released during preparation of the feedstock and operation of the biogas plant were 150 g CO 2 eq. kWh el. −1 for DF of sedges and 262 g CO 2 eq. kWh el. −1 for WF of Phragmites . Compared to the prevailing coal-based power generation in Central Europe, anaerobic digestion (AD) of wetland biomass could contribute to a reduction in GHG emissions by 74% to 85%. However, calculations covering the GHG emissions during the entire process “from field to field” seem to disqualify AD of conservation biomass as valid low-GHG energy supply technology. Estimated emissions ranged between 795 g CO 2 eq. kWh el. −1 for DF of Phragmites and 2738 g CO 2 eq. kWh el. −1 for the WM and, in most cases, exceeded those related to fossil fuel technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Piotr Banaszuk, 2020. "GHG Emissions and Efficiency of Energy Generation through Anaerobic Fermentation of Wetland Biomass," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-25, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:24:p:6497-:d:459100
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    1. Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Wendelin Wichtmann & Piotr Banaszuk, 2021. "Specific Methane Yield of Wetland Biomass in Dry and Wet Fermentation Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Piotr Banaszuk & Grzegorz Zając & Martin J. Wassen, 2023. "Grass from Road Verges as a Substrate for Biogas Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Wendelin Wichtmann & Grzegorz Zając & Piotr Banaszuk, 2023. "Common Reed and Maize Silage Co-Digestion as a Pathway towards Sustainable Biogas Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-25, January.
    4. Robert Czubaszek & Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek & Piotr Banaszuk, 2022. "Importance of Feedstock in a Small-Scale Agricultural Biogas Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-19, October.

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