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Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Biobutanol Production by Electrofermentation

Author

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  • Izabela Samson-Bręk

    (Institute of Environmental Protection—National Research Institute, ul. Słowicza 32, 02-170 Warszawa, Poland)

  • Marta Gabryszewska

    (Institute of Environmental Protection—National Research Institute, ul. Słowicza 32, 02-170 Warszawa, Poland)

  • Bernhard Drosg

    (BEST—Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH, Inffeldgasse 21b, A-8010 Graz, Austria
    Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Sciences, BOKU University, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria)

  • Werner Fuchs

    (Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Sciences, BOKU University, Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria)

  • Katharina Ludwig

    (BEST—Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH, Inffeldgasse 21b, A-8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Anna Matuszewska

    (Department of Christian Philosophy, Centre for Ecology and Ecophilosophy, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Kazimierza Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warszawa, Poland)

Abstract

Butanol is currently produced on an industrial scale, primarily from fossil-based raw materials. An alternative method involves gas fermentation. To improve the efficiency of microbial processes, one promising approach is electrofermentation, which involves the application of an electric current to stimulate microbial growth or modulate metabolic pathways. This study examined the production of biobutanol from gas fermentation supported by electrofermentation, as assessed through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The LCA was conducted for a biobutanol production technology developed within the framework of the BesTECH project, funded in the ERA-NET Bioenergy programme. Two environmental impact assessment methods were applied: ReCiPe 2016 and IPCC 2021 GWP 100 (with CO 2 absorption considered). The results of the LCA indicated that the most significant environmental impact is associated with greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion used to generate electricity (based on Austria’s energy mix). An additional environmental burden is related to the production of the fermentation medium. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the environmental performance of the process is strongly influenced by the source of electricity used in biobutanol production.

Suggested Citation

  • Izabela Samson-Bręk & Marta Gabryszewska & Bernhard Drosg & Werner Fuchs & Katharina Ludwig & Anna Matuszewska, 2025. "Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Biobutanol Production by Electrofermentation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:23:p:10771-:d:1808300
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