Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emission Studies of Jatropha Biodiesel Pathway by Life Cycle Assessment in India

Abstract

In the present study, life cycle energy consumption, efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Jatropha-based biodiesel was analysed by life cycle analysis method using GREET (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transporta­tion) model. This study quantitatively explicates the life cycle energy saving and GHG emissions of Jatropha-derived biodiesel. The functional unit was defined as 1 mile distance driven by the vehicle and the fuel blend was about 20%. The results indicated that Jatropha biodiesel production and its usage in India have positive environmental performance at the current technical levels. Well-to-pump energy efficiency of Jatropha biodiesel production was found to be 75%. As compared with that of gasoline fuel, the use of 20% blended Jatropha biodiesel leads to the reduction of GHG emission about 22.3% and brings about energy saving 9%. Further improvement of production technology would reduce emissions and increase the energy saving markedly.