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Sustainable Heat Production for Fossil Fuel Replacement—Life Cycle Assessment for Plant Biomass Renewable Energy Sources

Author

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  • Isabel Brás

    (Department of Environment, School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
    CISeD—Research Centre in Digital Services, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Massimiliano Fabbricino

    (Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

  • José Ferreira

    (CERNAS-IPV Research Centre and ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Elisabete Silva

    (Department of Environment, School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
    CISeD—Research Centre in Digital Services, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
    LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Vincenzo Mignano

    (Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

This study aims to assess the environmental impact of using wood-based biomass as a high-efficiency fuel alternative to fossil fuels for heat production. To achieve this, the life cycle of biomass transformation, utilization, and disposal was analyzed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology with SimaPro 9.5.0.2 PhD software. The system boundaries included extraction, processing, transportation, combustion, and waste management, following a cradle-to-gate approach. A comparative analysis was conducted between natural gas, the most widely used conventional heating fuel, and two biomass-based fuels: wood pellets and wood chips. The results indicate that biomass utilization reduces greenhouse gas emissions (−19%) and fossil resource depletion (−16%) while providing environmental benefits across all assessed impact categories analyzed, except for land use (+96%). Biomass is also to be preferred for forest waste management, ease of supply, and energy independence. However, critical life cycle phases, such as raw material processing and transportation, were found to contribute significantly to human health and ecosystem well-being. To mitigate these effects, optimizing combustion efficiency, improving supply chain logistics, and promoting sustainable forestry practices are recommended. These findings highlight the potential of biomass as a viable renewable energy source and provide insights into strategies for minimizing its environmental footprint.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabel Brás & Massimiliano Fabbricino & José Ferreira & Elisabete Silva & Vincenzo Mignano, 2025. "Sustainable Heat Production for Fossil Fuel Replacement—Life Cycle Assessment for Plant Biomass Renewable Energy Sources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3109-:d:1625606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodolfo Picchio & Francesco Latterini & Rachele Venanzi & Walter Stefanoni & Alessandro Suardi & Damiano Tocci & Luigi Pari, 2020. "Pellet Production from Woody and Non-Woody Feedstocks: A Review on Biomass Quality Evaluation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Giulio Sperandio & Alessandro Suardi & Andrea Acampora & Vincenzo Civitarese, 2024. "Eco-Efficiency of Pellet Production from Dedicated Poplar Plantations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Isabel Brás & Elisabete Silva & Roberta Raimondo & Raffaella Saetta & Vincenzo Mignano & Massimiliano Fabbricino & José Ferreira, 2024. "Valorisation of Forest and Agriculture Residual Biomass—The Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Analyse Composting, Mulching, and Energetic Valorisation Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
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