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Systematic approach for recognizing limiting factors for growth of biomethane use in transportation sector – A case study in Finland

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  • Uusitalo, V.
  • Havukainen, J.
  • Soukka, R.
  • Väisänen, S.
  • Havukainen, M.
  • Luoranen, M.

Abstract

In this paper, limiting factors for increased use of biomethane as a transportation fuel are studied. The aim of this research is to recognize and estimate the limiting factors for biomethane utilization in the transportation sector. The limiting factors are studied by using calculation models from Life cycle perspective and literature reviews. According to the results, the main limiting factors can be classified into the following categories: production potential, technology, economy or policy. For biomethane utilization in Finland, the main limiting factors seem to be the lack of distribution infrastructure in northern parts of the country and the uncertain economical feasibility for agricultural biomass producers and for vehicle owners. From the political perspective, the external costs for petrol operated vehicles are higher than for biomethane operated vehicles. Reductions from the external costs could be used by political decisions as a base to support the growth of biomethane in the transportation sector which could lead to GHG emission reductions. A similar systematic approach can also be used to study limiting factors for other transportation energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Uusitalo, V. & Havukainen, J. & Soukka, R. & Väisänen, S. & Havukainen, M. & Luoranen, M., 2015. "Systematic approach for recognizing limiting factors for growth of biomethane use in transportation sector – A case study in Finland," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 479-488.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:80:y:2015:i:c:p:479-488
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.02.037
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    3. Horschig, Thomas & Adams, P.W.R. & Gawel, Erik & Thrän, Daniela, 2018. "How to decarbonize the natural gas sector: A dynamic simulation approach for the market development estimation of renewable gas in Germany," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 555-572.
    4. Anna Pääkkönen & Kalle Aro & Pami Aalto & Jukka Konttinen & Matti Kojo, 2019. "The Potential of Biomethane in Replacing Fossil Fuels in Heavy Transport—A Case Study on Finland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-19, August.
    5. Ruocco, Concetta & Palma, Vincenzo & Cortese, Marta & Martino, Marco, 2022. "Stability of bimetallic Ni/CeO2–SiO2 catalysts during fuel grade bioethanol reforming in a fluidized bed reactor," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 913-922.
    6. Horschig, Thomas & Adams, Paul W.R. & Röder, Mirjam & Thornley, Patricia & Thrän, Daniela, 2016. "Reasonable potential for GHG savings by anaerobic biomethane in Germany and UK derived from economic and ecological analyses," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 840-852.
    7. Patrizio, P. & Chinese, D., 2016. "The impact of regional factors and new bio-methane incentive schemes on the structure, profitability and CO2 balance of biogas plants in Italy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 573-583.
    8. Muhammad Arfan & Zhao Wang & Shveta Soam & Ola Eriksson, 2021. "Biogas as a Transport Fuel—A System Analysis of Value Chain Development in a Swedish Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.

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