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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Life cycle assessment of biofuels from an integrated Brazilian algae-sugarcane biorefinery

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Author(s):
Souza, Simone P. [1, 2, 3] ; Gopal, Anand R. [2] ; Seabra, Joaquim E. A. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Engn Mecan, BR-13083860 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Calif Berkeley, Environm Energy Technol Div, Berkeley, CA 94720 - USA
[3] CNPEM ABTLuS, Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ENERGY; v. 81, p. 373-381, MAR 1 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 20
Abstract

Sugarcane ethanol biorefineries in Brazil produce carbon dioxide, electricity and heat as byproducts. These are essential inputs for algae biodiesel production. In this paper, we assessed ethanol's life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use produced in an integrated sugarcane and algae biorefinery where biodiesel replaces petroleum diesel for all agricultural operations. Carbon dioxide from cane juice fermentation is used as the carbon source for algae cultivation, and sugarcane bagasse is the sole source of energy for the entire facility. Glycerin produced from the biodiesel plant is consumed by algae during the mixotrophic growth phase. We assessed the uncertainties through a detailed Monte-Carlo analysis. We found that this integrated system can improve both the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and the fossil energy use of sugarcane ethanol by around 10% and 50%, respectively, compared to a traditional Brazilian sugarcane ethanol distillery. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/19157-4 - Use of algae for CO2 emissions mitigation in the sugarcane industry through a new biorefinery model
Grantee:Simone Pereira de Souza
Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 11/13514-7 - Assessment of environmental and economic aspects of the integrated production of bioenergy and food
Grantee:Joaquim Eugênio Abel Seabra
Support type: Regular Research Grants