Energy and greenhouse gas emission savings of biofuels in Spain's transport fuel. The adoption of the EU policy on biofuels

Integrated evaluation of biofuel production options in agriculture: an exploration of sustainable policy scenarios

“…Regarding the first criterion, it seems plausible to consider the savings in GHG emissions, because these (especially CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 ) are the major factors that influence the average temperature on earth. Regarding the second criterion, it is reasonable to focus on the positive energy balance of biodiesel, because it is of critical importance to look for an alternative source of renewable energy that can replace fossil fuels and can improve environmental performance (De Vries et al, 2010;Lechon et al, 2009;Kim and Dale, 2005). Finally, we also address land-use change, as the extensive land-use change necessary for biodiesel production (such as deforestation or conversion of pastures into land-used for energy) involves the loss of biodiversity, the reduction of carbon stocks, and the reduction of land for food .…”

Uncertainty Analysis of the Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Renewability of Biofuels

“…The same authors (and others, e.g. Lechón et al, 2009) have also adopted the fossil energy ratio (FER), defined as:…”

“…This substitution approach is also considered in other works (e.g. Bernesson et al, 2004;JEC, 2007;Lechón et al, 2009;Soimakallio et al, 2009). …”

Contribution to the environmental impact assessment of biodiesel in the context of Spain

“…Blends containing biodiesel from UCO were included in a second study, with the B100 causing the highest reduction in both indicators. Lechón et al (2009) performed the same analysis, but taking into account emissions from direct land conversion, in accordance with the RED sustainability requirements. Although they considered that part of the oilseeds are imported from the major producing countries, they found that biodiesel from crude vegetable oils can generate an emission reduction of 56%, whereas biodiesel from UCO can avoid 88% of the GHG emissions when replacing fossil diesel, well above the thresholds in the RED.…”

“…In the first case, results are usually expressed per kilometer driven by a specific vehicle (e.g. Edwards et al, 2008;Hekkert et al, 2005;Lechón et al, 2005Lechón et al, , 2006Lechón et al, , 2009, also per MJ consumed in the engine (Ou et al, 2009). In the second, impacts are usually expressed per unit of fuel produced, either kg, MJ, etc.…”