Life cycle analysis of biodiesel derived from fresh water microalgae and Karanja
Sanjeev Kumar, Amit Pal
Abstract
Biodiesel is regarded as a feasible substitute for fossil fuel; thus, to fulfil the tremendous need for energy, potential non-edible feedstocks must be identified and assessed in terms of their environmental consequences and energy requirements for biodiesel production. Cradle to Grave life cycle approach (LCA) is currently being used to compare the environmental impacts and energy requirements of biodiesel obtained from two types of biodiesel feedstock i.e., Karanja (Pongamia Pinnata) and Microalgae. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to explore the influence of elements such as agricultural systems and energy sources on LCA systems in the given conditions. Karanja feedstock and microalgae have energy ratios of 3.57 and 0.45, respectively. GHG emissions from well to wheel for oil methyl esters derived from Karanja feedstock are estimated to be 63.81 gCO 2 eq/MJ, while microalgae feedstock emissions are 85.37 gCO 2 eq/MJ. According to the sensitivity study, both emission and energy estimates were significantly sensitive to biodiesel output. Karanja excelled in all GHG-emitting processes, with reduced GHG emissions and a greater energy ratio. Microalgae, on the other hand, would be the preferable feedstock in the long run since it has demonstrated competitive performance in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, and energy ratio, and has no detrimental influence on the food cycle.