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Greenhouse gas emissions and energy balance of sunflower biodiesel: Identification of its key factors in the supply chain

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  • Iriarte, Alfredo
  • Villalobos, Pablo

Abstract

The production of first generation biofuels, such as sunflower-based biodiesel, is potentially an option for diversifying the energy matrix in several South American countries. However, biofuels present environmental challenges, especially concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study, using a life-cycle approach, evaluates the GHG emissions and energy balance of the future nationwide production of sunflower-based biodiesel in Chile. Direct land use change is included in the analysis. The overall findings indicate that sunflower biodiesel, under the most likely production conditions, will have better environmental performance than fossil diesel in terms of both indicators. The agricultural stage is associated to key factors such as land use change, and nitrogen fertilizers. These factors contribute significantly to GHG emissions or energy demand in the biodiesel life cycle. The sensitivity analysis shows that no GHG emission saving could occur if nitrogen fertilizers rate exceeds 330kgN/ha. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of this biofuel, improvement measures are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Iriarte, Alfredo & Villalobos, Pablo, 2013. "Greenhouse gas emissions and energy balance of sunflower biodiesel: Identification of its key factors in the supply chain," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 46-52.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:73:y:2013:i:c:p:46-52
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.01.014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Papong, Seksan & Chom-In, Tassaneewan & Noksa-nga, Soottiwan & Malakul, Pomthong, 2010. "Life cycle energy efficiency and potentials of biodiesel production from palm oil in Thailand," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 226-233, January.
    2. Iriarte, Alfredo & Rieradevall, Joan & Gabarrell, Xavier, 2012. "Transition towards a more environmentally sustainable biodiesel in South America: The case of Chile," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 91(1), pages 263-273.
    3. Weiss, Martin & Patel, Martin & Heilmeier, Hermann & Bringezu, Stefan, 2007. "Applying distance-to-target weighing methodology to evaluate the environmental performance of bio-based energy, fuels, and materials," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 50(3), pages 260-281.
    4. Cherubini, Francesco, 2010. "GHG balances of bioenergy systems – Overview of key steps in the production chain and methodological concerns," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(7), pages 1565-1573.
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