The economic feasibility and life cycle carbon emission of developing biomass-based renewable combined heat and power (RCHP) systems

Abstract

The utilization of biomass resources is considered a viable solution for addressing energy supply scarcity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Miscanthus is a type of energy crop with very low planting cost and high calorific value. Using miscanthus for combined heat and power (CHP) production can be a promising option for clean energy production. In this work, a detailed techno-economic analysis and life-cycle environmental assessment model were built for developing the Renewable CHP (RCHP) using miscanthus in central China. The integrated benefits of biochar were also investigated under different utilization pathways, such as heat supply (HS), soil amendment (SA), and activated carbon (AC). Under a capacity of 5 t/h dried miscanthus, the highest overall efficiency of the system was found to be 79.9%, and the optimal power selling price was calculated as 0.367 CNY/kWh with a desirable profit margin. Sensitivity analysis indicated that reducing capital costs and increasing annual power generation could maximize project viability. In addition, the life-cycle analyses showed the optimal net emission and fossil energy intensity of the system were −79.91 kgCO2e/MWh and 791.33 MJ/MWh, indicating a satisfactory carbon fixation capacity.