Balance and saving of GHG emissions in thermochemical biorefineries

Rewarding of extra-avoided GHG emissions in thermochemical biorefineries incorporating Bio-CCS

“…The calculation of the GHG balance in thermochemical biorefineries has been described in a previous publication of the authors [2].The GHG balance is the sum of all cradle-to-grave anthropogenic GHG emissions (net emitted to the atmosphere) from the process (see Scheme 1) [1,2]. It is expressed in g of CO 2 equivalent per MJ of products leaving the biorefinery (lower heating value basis) in accordance with European regulation [1].…”

“…The emissions in the transport and distribution (e td ) and final use (e u ) are set for each product. The GHG balance is a simplified version of a carbon footprint assessment (cradle-to-grave), which aims to be useful for the calculation of the saving of anthropogenic GHG emissions in a non-commercial process like thermochemical biorefineries [2]. In the case of co-producing chemicals and regarding their final use (e.g.…”

“…production of plastics), there could be longterm storage of biogenic carbon (for example, a period of 100 years, as stated by LCA standards) [51,52]. An equivalent storage of biogenic carbon (E CS ), is used to model this long-term storage [2]. The value for the corresponding fossil reference is regulated in the EU (Scheme 1) [1].…”

“…Thermochemical biorefineries are, without incorporating Bio-CCS, above the minimum target of GHG saving in the EU for 2018 [2]. Therefore, the incorporation of Bio-CCS, which involves an increase in investment and operating costs, would result in extra-avoided GHG emissions (avoided GHG emissions above the minimum target in European regulation).…”

“…These energy carriers can be produced in a thermochemical biorefinery, which is a facility which processes biomass by means of pyrolysis and/or gasification to produce one or several products (commonly energy carriers: transportation fuel or fuel for heat or electricity generation; but also chemicals) and services (heat, electricity) [2]. In the calculation of the GHG saving, the GHG emissions associated with the production and use of the energy carrier, i.e.…”