Life-cycle assessment as a prospection stage for the biochemical methane potential of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

The goal of neutrality in greenhouse gas emissions has intensified the search for renewable fuels. However, it is crucial to ensure sustainability of new technologies before proposing their implementation. This study proposes the use of life-cycle assessment (LCA) as an intermediary tool to identify critical hotspots in the exploration of hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, followed by biochemical methane potential assessment. Brewer s spent grain (BSG) was investigated, and laboratory-scale results were applied in an attributional assessment model with business-as-usual serving as the baseline. The LCA revealed that assumptions made in the lab could pose limitations. In Brazil, the two-stage co-digestion of pretreated hydrothermal BSG showed promising prospects, with a reduction to a new value of −54 kg CO2-eq Ton−1 BSG compared to 90 kg CO2-eq Ton−1 BSG in the business-as-usual scenario. Within the top ten global beer producing countries, only Brazil and Spain demonstrated potential for exploring this proposal.