How much energy does it take to produce biodiesel, compared to the energy in the fuel itself? And what is the total environmental impact of biodiesel production? These questions can be answered using a technique called “life cycle analysis.”
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a relatively recent tool, growing in popularity, that is used to estimate the environmental, energy, and economic performance of a product or a system. In essence, it is a budgeting process that accounts for all inputs …
Looking for a perennial biomass crop that grows well on marginal land, needs little fertility, and weed management only during establishment? Research on giant miscanthus shows it produces twice the biomass of switchgrass.
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Giant miscanthus. Photo: Jeff Skousen.
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Giant …
A large increase of biofuel production is necessary to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard set in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). This article explores the feedstock portfolio required to do the job.
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| Switchgrass a source of biomass energy. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University. |
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 was …
US energy consumption as of October 2013. Photo: Delphi234; Wikimedia Commons.
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US energy consumption as of October 2013. Photo: Delphi234; Wikimedia Commons. |
Explore life cycle analysis to gauge biofuels’ benefits.
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a tool used to account for inputs and outputs to complex systems. In essence, it is …
How can biofuel be certified sustainable? Examine guidelines, criteria, and measurable indicators.
How can biofuel be certified sustainable? Examine guidelines, criteria, and measurable indicators.
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| Windmills on a farm. Photo: Farm Energy Community of Practice. |
