Life cycle energy and greenhouse gas analysis for algae-derived biodiesel

• DOI: 10.1039/c1ee01791h
• Publication Date: 2011-08-11T11:00:37Z
• Authors: Tara Shirvani; Xiaoyu Yan; Oliver R. Inderwildi; Peter P. Edwards; David A. King
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 11. Sustainability; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology; 7. Clean energy; 12. Responsible consumption

The search for alternative fuels to alleviate our dependency on fossil-based transport is driven by depleting conventional oil resources and looming climate change induced anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through a lifecycle approach, we evaluate whether algal biodiesel production can be viable fuel source once the energy carbon intensity of process managed accordingly. Currently, algae 2.5 times as intensive diesel nearly equivalent high fuel-cycle use shale diesel. Biodiesel from advanced biomass realise its inherent environmental advantages GHG emissions reduction every step chain fully optimized decarbonised. This includes smart co-product utilization, decarbonisation electricity heat grids well indirect requirements fertilizer, building material. Only if all these factors are taken into account cost reduced, mitigated.