Analysis of limiting factors for life cycle assessment of biomass energy systems

The question is whether biomass energy development can meet rising global electricity demand amid international concerns over fossil fuel dependence,global warming, and land use conflicts. A causal loop diagram illustrates the interrelationships between factors that positively and negatively influence thedevelopment of biomass as a renewable energy fuel. This research presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of biomass energy systems to analyze some of thelimiting factors. Limiting factors such as increased land use, fossil fuel use, and corresponding CO2 emissions influence further international biomass development efforts. The life cycle assessment evaluated alternative processes that might increaseefficiency. The LCA revealed that integrating Salix short-rotation forests, biological fertilizers, and integrated gasification technologies into the biomassenergy system would reduce fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions by 74 percent and land use by roughly 97 percent. Biomass energy systems can become muchmore efficient and competitive sources of renewable electricity by implementing Salix, biological fertilizer, and gasification technologies.

Keywords:

Bio-energy , Bio-power , Biomass energy analysis , Life cycle analysis (LCA) , Salix (willow) production , Electric power , Gasification , Ash recycling , Sludge recycling