Life cycle assessment of production of black locust logs and straw pellets for energy purposes

Abstrakt

In recent years, black locust has been receiving special attention as a potential energy crop. Conversely, straw, which constitutes a waste product, is mainly used for energy purposes. The aim of this study was to perform the Life Cycle Assessment of straw pellet and black locust logs production. The environmental effects were investigated according to the Ecoindicator’99 and Global Warming Potential 100a methods. The single score for the functional unit of black locust logs equals 5.47 Pt, and for cereal straw pellets is between 23.37 and 30.49 Pt. The minor value of the indicator for wood results from higher density and net calorific value, which in this study was equal to 17.72 MJ/kg for black locust and 14.9 MJ/kg for cereal straw pellets. Moreover, greenhouse gas emission was calculated and equals 94.7 kgCO2eq for black locust logs and between 365.9 and 588.3 kgCO2eq for cereal straw pellets. Obtained results allow to compare the processes of biomass production. Black locust logs have a smaller potential of affecting the environment than pellets due to lower energy intensity of the production process, especially lower electricity consumption. Furthermore, logistic improvement may significantly decrease the environmental impact of discussed products.

Autorzy

Agnieszka Żelazna
Agnieszka Żelazna
Grzegorz Łagód
Grzegorz Łagód
Zbigniew Suchorab
Zbigniew Suchorab
Sebastian Werle
Sebastian Werle
Javier Ballester
Javier Ballester
Radovan Nosek
Radovan Nosek
artykuł
Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy
Angielski
2019
38
1
163-170
70
1,989
3
6