Comparing renewable energies: estimating area requirement for biodiesel and photovoltaic solar energy

Abstract

This paper describes two kinds of renewable energy: photovoltaic (PV) solar energy installations connected to the Italian electrical grid system, and pure biodiesel (BD100) production by using sunflower oil. A comparison between them is proposed on the basis of: (A) greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and (B) land requirement. Point (A) is related to the emissions from carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) deriving from energy production and use, which are calculated in terms of CO2 equivalent by their global warming potentials (GWP); point (B) is related to the area (hectares of biomass plantations and m of photovoltaic panels) necessary for energy production. The results will be compared to those resulting from the use of fossil fuels.