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The BioValueChain model: a Norwegian model for calculating environmental impacts of biogas value chains

  • LCA OF WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
  • Published:
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The BioValueChain model facilitates the calculation of environmental impacts throughout the value chain for production of biogas from organic waste and manure in Norway. This paper describes the methodology of the model, presents the results based on general data and performs a sensitivity analysis for the input data.

Methods

The model is based on life cycle assessment methodology and defines the boundaries of the system and a set of default parameter values which can easily be changed to obtain relevant results for a specific region or a specific biogas plant.

Results and discussion

The general results from application of the model show that the application of biogas and digestate, including the assumption regarding which products are substituted, has significance for the results. The sensitivity analysis reveals that results for global warming potential (GWP) appear to be less sensitive for the different parameter values than the other environmental indicators. Increased biogas production from source separated organic household waste and manure from cattle and pigs appears to be an appropriate greenhouse gases (GHG) mitigation measure for Norwegian conditions if the biogas substitutes fossil fuels and if the digestate substitutes mineral fertiliser.

Conclusions

The results underline the need for the use of specific data, especially for transport distances, biogas potential and efficiency of biogas plant. Furthermore, in order to decrease the uncertainty of the results, more research is required into ways of modelling and quantifying direct emissions from the storage and application of manure and digestate on land.

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Acknowledgments

The model has until now been developed in three phases, financed by the Norwegian Agricultural Authority through the Climate and Environmental programme, and the Norwegian Research Council through the EnergiX programme. The authors would like to thank all project owners and project participants, and all those who have contributed to the development of the model.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ostfold Research, Stadion 4, 1671, Kråkerøy, Norway

    Kari-Anne Lyng, Ingunn Saur Modahl, Hanne Møller & Ole Jørgen Hanssen

  2. Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology (IMT), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway

    John Morken

  3. Bioforsk, Ås, Norway

    Tormod Briseid

Authors
  1. Kari-Anne Lyng
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  2. Ingunn Saur Modahl
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  3. Hanne Møller
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  4. John Morken
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  5. Tormod Briseid
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  6. Ole Jørgen Hanssen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kari-Anne Lyng.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Niels Jungbluth

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Lyng, KA., Modahl, I.S., Møller, H. et al. The BioValueChain model: a Norwegian model for calculating environmental impacts of biogas value chains. Int J Life Cycle Assess 20, 490–502 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0851-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0851-5

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