Title

Comparative analysis of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of supply chains for biofuel and fossil fuel production

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-2011

Abstract

To reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil and to reduce carbon emissions, renewable biofuel production from biomass has seen emerging interest. This study focused on life cycle greenhouse gas emission impacts of forest biomass supply chain for ethanol production. The life cycle stages considered include biomass harvesting/forwarding, and transportation via truck/rail.The comparison system is a supply chain for petroleum-based fuel production, exemplified using data specific to the U.S. The results show that from feedstock supply perspective, biofuel production from forest biomass is more environmentally friendly (about 50-70%less greenhouse gas emissions) compared with petroleum based fuel production. Forest biomass supply by rail performs better (about 15 million kg less carbon emissions) than truck supply.

Publisher's Statement

© 2011 POMS. Publisher’s version of record can be accessed here.

Publication Title

Proceedings of the 2011 Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) Conference

COinS