The results are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing the use of energy crops for bio-ethanol and combined heat and power (CHP), and showing their effect on CO2 emissions and the use of fossil fuels. Their LCA is the first with this particular focus to be published in a scientific journal.
Not enough biomass
“We demonstrated that there is not enough biomass to meet the growing demand within the transport, electricity, heating, materials and chemicals sectors. Therefore, we have revealed where it made the most sense to use biomass,” says Karsten Hedegaard.
Their research showed that use of biomass for bio-ethanol is inefficient because considerable energy is lost during the conversion process, even when production involves using excess heat from CHP plants and when the entire energy crop – including stalks and stems – is utilised (so-called 2nd generation technology).
In line with EU report
Natural gas and electricity are the preferred choices over bio-ethanol for running cars. Up to two to three times the amount of CO2 emissions and oil could be saved by using the limited amounts of biomass available for power and heating rather than bio-ethanol, and by using electric cars for transport.
The conclusions of the study are in line with evaluations published in a report recently released by the EU Joint Research Centre.
By Eva Isager
Published: 19.12.2008
