Life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic ethanol: a review of key factors and methods affecting calculated GHG emissions and energy use

Current Opinion in Biotechnology
Kelsey GerbrandtBradley A Saville

Abstract

Lignocellulosic ethanol has potential for lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline and conventional grain-based ethanol. Ethanol production 'pathways' need to meet economic and environmental goals. Numerous life cycle assessments of lignocellulosic ethanol have been published over the last 15 years, but gaps remain in understanding life cycle performance due to insufficient data, and model and methodological issues. We highlight key aspects of these issues, drawing on literature and a case study of corn stover ethanol. Challenges include the complexity of feedstock/ecosystems and market-mediated aspects and the short history of commercial lignocellulosic ethanol facilities, which collectively have led to uncertainty in GHG emissions estimates, and to debates on LCA methods and the role of uncertainty in decision making.

References

Jun 26, 2009·Bioresource Technology·E GnansounouL Panichelli
Sep 19, 2009·Bioresource Technology·Sabrina SpatariHeather L MacLean
Jun 10, 2010·Environmental Science & Technology·Navneet R SinghRakesh Agrawal
Apr 12, 2013·Biotechnology for Biofuels·Jennifer B DunnMichael Q Wang
Jun 7, 2014·Science·Stefanie Hellweg, Llorenç Milà i Canals

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Citations

Jul 24, 2018·Biotechnology for Biofuels·Matthew J ScarboroughDaniel R Noguera
Sep 6, 2018·Biotechnology for Biofuels·James WilsonBrandon R Briggs

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