Title:
Application of Techno-Ecological Synergies in Life Cycle Assessment (TES-LCA) to Microalgal Biofuel
Author(s):
Kumari, N., Arora, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Microalgal biofuels (3rd generation biofuels) serve numerous potential benefits when compared to 1st and 2nd generation biofuels and are emerging as a widely recognized research domain. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an analytical tool that assesses the suitability of microalgal biofuels over conventional fossil fuels. The integration of technological and ecological systems encourages the framework of Techno-Ecological Synergy (TES). The methodology of TES explores the objective of incorporating the role of ecosystems in technological outlines and evaluate the effectiveness of a techno-ecological synergistic structure within the confines of ecological constraints. This work explores the framework of Techno-Ecological Synergy in Life Cycle Assessment (TES-LCA) of microalgal biofuel by expanding the steps of conventional LCA and incorporating demand and supply of ecosystem goods and services. TES framework is illustrated by the application of LCA to a microalgal biofuel production system. The TES-LCA of microalgae-based biofuel availed in this study is carried out by cultivation of algae in photobioreactors (PBRs) utilizing the biofuel process pathway: hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) followed by hydro-treating of bio-crude. TES-LCA is applied to this biofuel production system by employing demands for and supply by the ecosystems. The demand for ecosystem services comprises the natural resources utilized by the biofuel production system and further their discharge of emissions into the environment, whereas supply by relevant ecosystems (e.g., a grove of trees of a particular type) accounts for ecosystems. capacity to supply the resources and sequestrate the emissions. This would identify possibilities for an improved life cycle by reducing impacts and thereby preserving and refurnishing ecosystems.
Keywords:
biofuel, ecology, microalgae, sustainability, technology, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Topic:
Sustainable Bioeconomy: Impacts and Policies
Subtopic:
Environmental Impacts
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4AV.3.18
Pages:
1177 - 1183
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-4AV.3.18
Price:
FREE
