Priority Evaluation of Life Cycle Impact Factors for Algal Biofuel Production in the Philippines Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Algal biofuel is considered as an advanced generation bioenergy fuel which addresses the concerns of the preceding generations of biofuels on crop land competition and water consumption. Microalgae are considered as the only biomass feedstock capable of displacing fossil-fuel based on very high-oil yield per land area and other benefits. The production of biofuels in the Philippines is mandated by its Biofuel Act of 2006 which aims to introduce low-carbon fuels to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the dependence on oil imports. The Philippines’ biodiesel production uses solely coconut as biomass feedstock to produce coconut methyl ester (CME). With the mandate to increase the biodiesel blend to 5% by 2015, this adds pressure to the production of CME while battling for the fluctuating price of coconut. Due to the archipelagic geography and tropical climate of the country, abundance of thriving endemic species of microalgae can be found in the country. Hence, algal biofuel presents a viable option to alternatively produce biodiesel in the Philippines. Thus, policies in sustainable production of algal biofuel based on its environmental impact and natural resource consumption must initially be developed and drafted. A life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach was recommended to evaluate the sustainability of algal biofuel production in the country leading to policy development. Prior finalizing the impact assessment of an LCA study, prioritization of impact factors must initially be established and evaluated based on the programs and goals of the government and other stakeholders. LCA studies on algal biofuels were previously conducted overseas. However, the impact assessment of such studies is not applicable for the Philippines. Furthermore, there has been limited LCA study on algal biofuel production in the Philippines. Hence, this study proposes to establish a multi-criteria decision structure of the life-cycle impact factors of algal biofuels specifically for the Philippines and quantifying its priority levels using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP is a multi-criteria decision analysis which quantifies the prioritization weights of the considered impact factors via pairwise comparison method. Survey shall be conducted to various government agencies, the industry, and other research institutions to establish an initial impact assessment of algal biofuels in the country. The initial results revealed priority are given to global warming potential, eco-toxicity, and photochemical ozone depletion, respectively. The results of this work shall aid the policy and decision makers of the country to develop and draft environmental policies and strategic plans for the proliferation of algal biofuels in the Philippines.