Biofuels: Optimism and Concerns - Desert Research Institute

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Many LCA Studies Conducted for Ethanol • Recent model developed by Ferrell et al. to harmonize assumptions used in many LCA studies. • In general, results show: - Small energy and GHG benefits from corn-derived ethanol - Large benefits from cellulosic ethanol • Limitation: study considers only direct effects, not indirect effects due to land use changes Source: Farrell et al, Science, 311, 506-508 (2006) 18
General Observations Regarding LCA of Biofuels • Importance of indirect effects is now recognized – No consensus on how to quantify these effects – No consensus on how (or if) to incorporate into policy • LCA results are highly scenario specific – very difficult to generalize for a particular biofuel • 2 nd generation biofuels are clearly preferred over 1 st generation biofuels • Recent publications of interest: - R.Hammerschlag, Environ. Sci. Technol. 40, 1744-1750 (2006) - E.A.Farrell et al., Science, 311, 506-508 (2006) - J.P.W.Scharlemann and W.F.Laurance, Science 319, 43-44 (2008) - J.Fergione et al., Science 319, 1235-1238 (2008) - T.Searchinger et al. Science 319, 1238-1240 (2008) 19
Page 1 and 2: Biofuels: Optimism and Concerns 200
Page 3 and 4: Historical Energy Use in the U.S. (
Page 5 and 6: Quads U.S. Renewable Energy (2006;
Page 7 and 8: Benefits and Challenges of Biofuels
Page 9 and 10: Rapid Growth of Biofuels in the U.S
Page 11 and 12: Biomass Resource Base in U.S. Prima
Page 13 and 14: Potential U.S. Agricultural Biomass
Page 15 and 16: DOE’s Integrated Biorefinery Conc
Page 17: Life-Cycle Impacts of Biofuels Man
Page 21 and 22: Promoting Responsible Growth of Bio
Page 23 and 24: Promoting Responsible Growth of Bio
Page 25 and 26: Summary and Conclusions (2 of 2) 3.

Biofuels: Optimism and Concerns - Desert Research Institute

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