Publication
Title
A comparative analysis of the carbon intensity of biofuels caused by land use changes
Author
Abstract
Worldwide land is a limited resource and its use for the production of biofuels and other agricultural products can impact greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Several models and approaches have been used to assess the direct (dLUC) and indirect land use change (iLUC) carbon intensity i.e. the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of biofuel produced of biofuels, but their outcomes diverge significantly. This analysis of 15 studies published between 2008 and 2010 (i) summarized and compared models and approaches used to estimate the dLUC and iLUC carbon intensities of biofuels, and (ii) assessed the mechanisms that led to the variation in the outcomes. The data show that the dLUC carbon intensity ranged from −52 to 34 g CO2 MJ−1, whereas the iLUC ranged from 0 to 327 g CO2 MJ−1 for bioethanol depending on the feedstock, on the type of land used or displaced and on the amortization period. The total LUC carbon intensity of bioethanol was found to be −29% to 384% of that of gasoline. This means that in some cases, LUC could potentially alter the GHG benefits of biofuels. Standardizing assumptions, carbon stock changes and methodologies for estimating the dLUC and iLUC carbon intensity will ensure more consistency and meaningful comparisons across studies in the future. This might then enable policy makers to make better justified judgments on the sustainability of biofuels.
Language
English
Source (journal)
GCB bioenergy. - Oxford, 2009, currens
Publication
Oxford : 2012
ISSN
1757-1693 [print]
1757-1707 [online]
DOI
10.1111/J.1757-1707.2012.01176.X
Volume/pages
4 :4 (2012) , p. 392-407
ISI
000304810100003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
System analysis of a bio-energy plantation: full greenhouse gas balance and energy accounting. (POPFULL)
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 04.06.2012
Last edited 09.10.2023
To cite this reference