Paper details

Title:

Towards a Standard Methodology for the Sustainability Assessment of Energy Systems with Algae - An European Approach in FUEL4ME

Author(s):

Hingsamer, M., Jungmeier, G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Microalgae offer different possibilities for energy production but, considering the state of the art, important technological challenges for large­scale plants still have to be solved. The viability of using microalgae for energy production depends on the overall sustainability (environmental, economic, social). Therefore a sustainability assessment is necessary. The existing methodologies e.g. life cycle analysis (LCA) are modified for the application to systems using microalgae for energy production. Within the project FUEL4ME an integrated and sustainable process for continuous biofuel production from microalgae will be developed and demonstrated. The results of the applied life cycle sustainability assessment are used to identify obstacles for an efficient process in different dimensions and will help to guide the development towards the highest possible sustainability (environmental sustainability and economic feasible) in comparison to a substituted reference system.

Keywords:

biofuel, life cycle assessment (LCA), microalgae, sustainability

Topic:

Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability

Subtopic:

Sustainability assessment and criteria

Event:

22nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

4BO.11.2

Pages:

1356 - 1358

ISBN:

978-88-89407-52-3

Paper DOI:

10.5071/22ndEUBCE2014-4BO.11.2

Price:

FREE