A review of the sustainability of algal-based biorefineries: Towards an integrated assessment framework

Author

Gwenny Thomassen, Miet Van Dael, Bert Lemmens and Steven Van Passel

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017, vol. 68, issue P2, pages 876-887

Abstract: Algal-based bioenergy products have faced multiple economic and environmental problems. To counter these problems, algal-based biorefineries have been proposed as a promising solution. Multiple environmental and economic assessments have analyzed this concept. However, a wide variation in results was reported. This study performs a review to evaluate the methodological reasons behind this variation. Based on this review, four main challenges for a sustainability assessment were identified: 1) the use of a clear framework; 2) the adaptation of the methodology to all stages of technological maturity; 3) the use of harmonized assumptions; 4) the integration of the technological process. A generic methodology, based on the integration of a techno-economic assessment methodology and a streamlined life cycle assessment was proposed. This environmental techno-economic assessment can be performed following an iterative approach during each stage of technology development. In this way, crucial technological parameters can be directly identified and evaluated during the maturation of the technology. The use of this assessment methodology can therefore act as guidance to decrease the time-to-market for innovative and sustainable technologies.

Keywords: Microalgae; Integrated assessment; Biobased economy; Environmental assessment; Life cycle assessment; Techno-economic assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations Track citations by RSS feed

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032116002239 

Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link:http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:rensus:v:68:y:2017:i:p2:p:876-887

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/bibliographic
http://www.elsevier. ... 600126/bibliographic

Access Statistics for this article

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is currently edited by L. Kazmerski

More articles in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews from  Elsevier
Series data maintained by Shamier, Wendy (repec@elsevier.com).

For further details log on website :
http://econpapers.repec.org/article/eeerensus/v_3a68_3ay_3a2017_3ai_3ap2_3ap_3a876-887.htm