Introduction of Novel Analysis Technique: Biomass Element Life Cycle Analysis (BELCA)

Abstract

Negative environment impacts from fossil fuel based resource lead to the search of alternative sustainable resources, such as biomass. Biomass technology is limited by the complex biomass characteristic and high transportation cost. A novel technique - Biomass Element Life Cycle Analysis (BELCA) is introduced to tackle these problems. BELCA acts as a platform to study the properties of each biomass, from plantation biomass to biomass generated within processes. This study allows better understanding of respective biomass characteristic which is needed in higher level of biomass utilisation and applications. Biomass characteristic is presented in a simple graphical approach to enhance the understanding and highlight their potential value. Combination of this method with biomass characteristic data bank will make the biomass selection easier. In this work, characteristic of palm biomasses based on literature are presented in radar chart. As the case study for LCA analysis, sago industry is studied to discover underutilised biomass generated within processes. Analysis on the sago biomass characteristic will be conducted with collaboration with sago industry partner and other industry via BELCA approach for better understanding of respective underutilised biomass. With the knowledge in underutilised biomass, biomass supply chain can be improved and support the implementation of respective biomass.