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Life cycle assessment of biomass-to-energy systems in Ireland modelled with biomass supply chain optimisation based on greenhouse gas emission reduction

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  • Murphy, Fionnuala
  • Sosa, Amanda
  • McDonnell, Kevin
  • Devlin, Ger

Abstract

The energy sector is the major contributor to GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) in Ireland. Under EU Renewable energy targets, Ireland must achieve contributions of 40%, 12% and 10% from renewables to electricity, heat and transport respectively by 2020, in addition to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions. Life cycle assessment methodology was used to carry out a comprehensive, holistic evaluation of biomass-to-energy systems in 2020 based on indigenous biomass supply chains optimised to reduce production and transportation GHG emissions. Impact categories assessed include; global warming, acidification, eutrophication potentials, and energy demand. Two biomass energy conversion technologies are considered; co-firing with peat, and biomass CHP (combined heat and power) systems. Biomass is allocated to each plant according to a supply optimisation model which ensures minimal GHG emissions. The study shows that while CHP systems produce lower environmental impacts than co-firing systems in isolation, determining overall environmental impacts requires analysis of the reference energy systems which are displaced. In addition, if the aims of these systems are to increase renewable energy penetration in line with the renewable electricity and renewable heat targets, the optimal scenario may not be the one which achieves the greatest environmental impact reductions.

Suggested Citation

  • Murphy, Fionnuala & Sosa, Amanda & McDonnell, Kevin & Devlin, Ger, 2016. "Life cycle assessment of biomass-to-energy systems in Ireland modelled with biomass supply chain optimisation based on greenhouse gas emission reduction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 1040-1055.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:109:y:2016:i:c:p:1040-1055
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.04.125
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    5. Vance, C. & Sweeney, J. & Murphy, F., 2022. "Space, time, and sustainability: The status and future of life cycle assessment frameworks for novel biorefinery systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    6. Longo, Sonia & Cellura, Maurizio & Luu, Le Quyen & Nguyen, Thanh Quang & Rincione, Roberta & Guarino, Francesco, 2024. "Circular economy and life cycle thinking applied to the biomass supply chain: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    7. Isabella Donnelly & Kevin McDonnell & John Finnan, 2019. "Novel Approaches to Optimise Early Growth in Willow Crops," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-15, June.
    8. Li, C.Y. & Wu, J.Y. & Shen, Y. & Kan, X. & Dai, Y.J. & Wang, C.-H., 2018. "Evaluation of a combined cooling, heating, and power system based on biomass gasification in different climate zones in the U.S," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 326-340.
    9. Jahani, Hamed & Gholizadeh, Hadi & Hayati, Zahra & Fazlollahtabar, Hamed, 2023. "Investment risk assessment of the biomass-to-energy supply chain using system dynamics," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C), pages 554-567.
    10. Nitkiewicz Tomasz & Ociepa-Kubicka Agnieszka, 2017. "Impact of Supply Chain Solutions on Environmental Performance of Biomass Use – LCA-based Research Case," Valahian Journal of Economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 8(1), pages 57-66, April.
    11. Ling, Wen Choong & Verasingham, Arati Banu & Andiappan, Viknesh & Wan, Yoke Kin & Chew, Irene M.L. & Ng, Denny K.S., 2019. "An integrated mathematical optimisation approach to synthesise and analyse a bioelectricity supply chain network," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 554-571.
    12. Singlitico, Alessandro & Goggins, Jamie & Monaghan, Rory F.D., 2018. "Evaluation of the potential and geospatial distribution of waste and residues for bio-SNG production: A case study for the Republic of Ireland," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 288-301.
    13. Shah, Syed Ale Raza & Naqvi, Syed Asif Ali & Riaz, Sabahat & Anwar, Sofia & Abbas, Nasir, 2020. "Nexus of biomass energy, key determinants of economic development and environment: A fresh evidence from Asia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    14. Murphy, Fionnuala & McDonnell, Kevin, 2017. "Investigation of the potential impact of the Paris Agreement on national mitigation policies and the risk of carbon leakage; an analysis of the Irish bioenergy industry," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 80-88.

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