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Assessment of lignocellulosic biorefineries in Germany using a hybrid LCA multi‐objective optimization model

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  • Maik Budzinski
  • Otávio Cavalett
  • Roy Nitzsche
  • Anders Hammer Strømman

Abstract

In this study a tiered hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) multi‐objective optimization model is developed and applied to determine the optimal choice of new biorefinery technologies in Germany. Thereby, several aspects can be explicitly addressed, including a regionally differentiated accountability of sustainable feedstock availability, identification of environmental impacts along global value chains, and identification of trade‐offs between different sustainability goals. The model is applied to assess the optimal choice between two lignocellulosic biorefinery concepts. Two optimization objectives are taken into account: maximizing the investor's profit and minimizing global impacts on climate change related to a specified demand for products. In terms of environmental impacts, the model also takes into account the comparison of new biorefineries with current available technologies producing the specified final demand. The results of the case study show that the biorefinery concept including the ethylene production is more beneficial in terms of reducing climate impacts, while on the other hand the biorefinery including the ethanol production is more cost‐effective. Depending on the decision‐maker's preference on weighting the two objectives, different capacities of biorefineries and optimal locations in Germany are identified. Furthermore, regions in Germany providing the necessary biomass feedstock can be identified on a county level. Finally, we argue that the extension of LCA by multi‐objective optimization is well suited guiding the way toward well‐informed decision‐making in the field of technological choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Maik Budzinski & Otávio Cavalett & Roy Nitzsche & Anders Hammer Strømman, 2019. "Assessment of lignocellulosic biorefineries in Germany using a hybrid LCA multi‐objective optimization model," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(5), pages 1172-1185, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:23:y:2019:i:5:p:1172-1185
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12857
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    Cited by:

    1. Lars Wietschel & Lukas Messmann & Andrea Thorenz & Axel Tuma, 2021. "Environmental benefits of large‐scale second‐generation bioethanol production in the EU: An integrated supply chain network optimization and life cycle assessment approach," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(3), pages 677-692, June.
    2. Sören Richter & Nora Szarka & Alberto Bezama & Daniela Thrän, 2022. "What Drives a Future German Bioeconomy? A Narrative and STEEPLE Analysis for Explorative Characterisation of Scenario Drivers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-32, March.
    3. Anna Bartkowiak & Piotr Bartkowiak & Grzegorz Kinelski, 2022. "Efficiency of Shaping the Value Chain in the Area of the Use of Raw Materials in Agro-Biorefinery in Sustainable Development," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-16, August.

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