Experimental study and Life Cycle Assessment of biomass small-scale trigeneration plant

Abstract

The search for new energy sources and the exploitation of renewable energies is moving on various fronts with the awareness of having to modify the abuse of fossil fuels. In these terms, the biomass gasification process is recognised as a sustainable energy production technology which, in addition, can also contribute to a circular economy. The study presents an Italian case study of a pilot micro-trigeneration plant based on the gasification of wood chips and residual lignocellulosic biomass. The pilot plant was designed to meet the demand for electricity, domestic hot water, heating and cooling of a municipal office. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques this study provides an estimation of resource consumption and emissions to air, water, and the soil of energy recovery from residual biomass. Results point out that greenhouse gas emissions are very low, thus biomass can consider a renewable source and its use represents an attractive sustainable alternative to fossil fuel.