6533b7cefe1ef96bd1257b15
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Energy and environmental assessment of residual bio-wastes management strategies
Maurizio CelluraMaria Anna CusenzaFrancesco GuarinoSonia Longosubject
Waste managementPower stationRenewable Energy Sustainability and the Environmentbusiness.industry020209 energyStrategy and Management05 social sciences02 engineering and technologyIndustrial and Manufacturing EngineeringNational GridRenewable energyElectricity generationBioenergy050501 criminology0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineeringEnvironmental scienceEnvironmental impact assessmentElectricitybusinessLife-cycle assessmentBio-wastes management Bioeconomy Bioenergy Circular economy Life cycle assessment Renewable energy0505 lawGeneral Environmental Sciencedescription
Abstract This paper assesses the potential energy and environmental impacts of an anaerobic digester coupled with a combined heat and power plant powered with bio-wastes from the agri-food sector. The analysis is carried out through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology following a “cradle-to-grave” approach and is based mostly on primary data. The anaerobic digester - combined heat and power plant is analysed considering a twofold perspective: one more energy – oriented where the main function of the system is to generate renewable electricity and a waste – oriented one in which the main function is treating bio-wastes. In addition, the environmental indirect effects related to potential competitive uses of bio-wastes are evaluated. Biomass transport and the electricity consumed during the operation phase make the largest contribution (higher than 60%) to almost all the impact categories examined. The comparison with the electricity eco-profile from the national grid and with a composting facility highlights that the anaerobic digester - combined heat and power system may reach better energy and environmental performances for both the electricity generation and bio-waste management.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-02-01 | Journal of Cleaner Production |