ENERGY FROM BIOMASS: A LIFE CYCLE AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

摘要

This paper examines the economic and environmental impact of using biomass for energy generation.The aim is the identification of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective biomass conversion chains forelectricity provision in Germany. To achieve these results several research steps were undertaken, including a lifecycle analysis (LCA), an economic analysis and a sensitivity analysis.The LCA incorporates an assessment of significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions,acidification, eutrophication, etc.. Currently, most of the available studies on this matter take mainly greenhouse gasemissions (in the form of CO_2-equivalents) into consideration. Following the life cycle analysis the consideredbiomass chains are examined under economic aspects. Thereby the electricity production costs and the economicfeasibility of operating a specific biomass CHP plant are determined.The results show that the woody and gaseous biomass chains based on waste materials (biodegradable waste, manure)have the lowest environmental impacts as well as the lowest electricity production costs. All biomass chains showlower environmental impacts than the fossil reference and the current electricity mix in Germany, respectively.