Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential Research Articles

Demand-side solutions to climate change mitigation consistent with high levels of well-being

Mitigation solutions are often evaluated in terms of costs and greenhouse gas reduction potentials, missing out on the consideration of direct effects on human well-being. Here, we systematically assess the mitigation potential of demand-side options categorized into avoid, shift and improve, and their human well-being links. We show that these options, bridging socio-behavioural, infrastructural and technological domains, can reduce counterfactual sectoral emissions by 40–80% in end-use sectors. Based on expert judgement and an extensive literature database, we evaluate 306 combinations of well-being outcomes and demand-side options, finding largely beneficial effects in improvement in well-being (79% positive, 18% neutral and 3% negative), even though we find low confidence on the social dimensions of well-being. Implementing such nuanced solutions is based axiomatically on an understanding of malleable rather than fixed preferences, and procedurally on changing infrastructures and choice architectures. Results demonstrate the high mitigation potential of demand-side mitigation options that are synergistic with well-being.

Assessing the Mitigation Potential of Environmental Impacts From Circular Economy Strategies on an Industrial Sector and Its Value Chain: A Case Study on the Steel Value Chain in Quebec

This research project aims to evaluate the potential reduction of environmental impacts from circular economy strategies on an industrial sector at a regional scale with a case study on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec's steel industry and its value chain. To do so, an integrated model has been created based on the matrix approach, building on material flow analysis (MFA) tracking flows and stocks and on life cycle assessment (LCA) to compute direct (from the activity, e.g., combustion process) and indirect (from the supply chain, e.g., production of raw material inside or outside of region) emissions. This theoretical model is designed to be applied to any emissions or environmental impacts from a specific sector in a given region and enable to model the effects of circularity strategies to both flows and related environmental impacts. The overall mitigation potential of individual or combined circular economy strategies on a specific sector could thus be evaluated across its entire value chain. In the case study, a set of the most promising circular strategies applicable in the Quebec context were identified, and the GHG reduction potential within and outside the province is calculated and compared with actual emissions. Six circular strategies were analyzed acting at three different levers, namely, GHG/material (increase iron recycling rate, switch to hydrogen-based reduction production), material/product (reduce weight of vehicle, limit over-specification in building construction), and product/service (increase buildings and cars lifetime, increase car-sharing), and therefore impact rather direct or indirect emissions on different stages of the steel life cycle. Combining these six strategies into a consolidated scenario shows that a circular-driven economy allows to cut down GHG emissions of the cradle-to-gate steel industry value chain by −55%, i.e., 1.67 Mt CO2e. Taking into account use phase of steel, overall reductions are estimated at −6.03 Mt CO2e, i.e., −30% of the whole life cycle.

Cost-effectiveness analysis on improving fuel economy and promoting alternative fuel vehicles: A case study of Chongqing, China

This study analyzed the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential and cost of urban road transportation policies from a boarder perspective including tank-to-wheel (TTW) and well-to-wheel (WTW) assessments, with Chongqing in China taken as the case city. Three policies and two mixed policies, including improving the fuel economy of passenger cars, promoting electric vehicles (EVs), and promoting natural gas vehicles (NGVs), are analyzed in this study. The two groups of mixed policies are developed to analyze the interaction between the policies. The results indicate that all the policies will reduce TTW and WTW fuel consumption and GHG emissions from 2016 to 2035. During this period, promoting an NGV policy will have the smallest marginal abatement cost (MAC) but the smallest GHG reduction potential, and promoting an EV policy will have the largest MAC but the largest GHG reduction potential from TTW. However, considering the GHG emissions from upstream energy consumption, the GHG emission reduction from promoting the EV policy is reduced and that of improving the fuel economy via the motor vehicle policy will increase significantly, resulting in a larger MAC from WTW than from TTW. With the mixed policies, hedging effects impact fuel savings, GHG emission reductions, and MACs. We put forward some policy suggestions to provide a reference for the formulation and adjustment of China's urban road transportation policies to cost-effectively mitigate GHG emissions in the future.

A Study into the Availability, Costs and GHG Reduction in Drop-In Biofuels for Shipping under Different Regimes between 2020 and 2050

In this study, various scenarios were developed that correspond to estimations of future biomass availability and biofuel demand from the maritime industry. These marine biofuel demand scenarios were based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets of the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A multi-objective Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed which is used to optimize the Well-to-Tank (WtT) phases of each studied scenario. This resulted in an overview of the most feasible use of feedstocks, deployment of new conversion technologies and trade flows between regions. Additionally, the results provided insight into the costs and emission reduction potential of marine biofuels. By analyzing the results from this study, improved insight into the potential of drop-in biofuels for reaching the proposed emission reduction targets for the maritime sector was developed. A trade-off between costs and emissions was found to result in potential GHG reductions between 68–95% compared to Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for 800–2300 EUR/ton. More specifically, 80% GHG reduction compared to HFO can be achieved at fuel costs of between 900–1050 EUR/ton over the studied time period.

Life cycle assessment of organosolv biorefinery designs with the complete use of biomass

“Biorefinery” refers to facilities that utilize plant materials from either marine or terrestrial environment. More complete utilizations of biomass via less aggressive processes to produce higher value-added products are the area of interests to achieve economic feasibility and environmental advances. In this study, carbon and energy efficiencies of straw utilization as well as environmental performance of a formic acid pretreatment (Formiline) based biorefinery producing ethanol, furfural, and lignin were evaluated and compared with those of the conventional Dilute acid pretreatment based biorefinery. Results show that the Formiline biorefinery is superior in all aspects mentioned above except ODP (Ozone layer depletion) in life cycle assessment (LCA) results. Furthermore, the Formiline supply chain design was expanded to include processing of lignin to lignin-based phenol–formaldehyde (LPF) resin and furfural to multiple products such as butadiene, surfactants, jet fuel, and lubricants. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potentials and economic performances of expanded supply chains were quantified. Results reveal that all the expanded designs result in positive GHG reduction potentials, delivering promising contributions to China’s 2060 carbon neutrality ambition. Among four expanded supply chain scenarios, those producing surfactants and lubricants are more economic feasible than the baseline. However, conclusions are highly influenced by product prices and discussed accordingly.

Developing Country-Specific Methane Emission Factors and Carbon Fluxes from Enteric Fermentation in South Korean Dairy Cattle Production

Dairy cattle farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation. To complement global efforts to mitigate climate change, there is a need for accurate estimations of GHG emissions using country-specific emission factors (EFs). The objective of this study was to develop national EFs for the estimation of CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation in South Korean dairy cattle. Information on dairy cattle herd characteristics, diet, and management practices specific to South Korean dairy cattle farming was obtained. Enteric CH4 EFs were estimated according to the 2019 refinement of the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) using the Tier 2 approach. Three animal subcategories were considered according to age: milking cows >2 years, 650 kg body weight (BW); heifers 1–2 years, 473 kg BW; and growing animals <1 year, 167 kg BW. The estimated enteric CH4 EFs for milking cows, heifers, and growing animals, were 139, 83 and 33 kg/head/year, respectively. Currently, the Republic of Korea adopts the Tier 1 default enteric CH4 EFs from the North America region for GHG inventory reporting. Compared with the generic Tier 1 default EF of 138 (kg CH4/head/year) proposed by the 2019 refinement to the 2006 IPCC guidelines for high-milking cows, our suggested value for milking cows was very similar (139 kg CH4 /head/year) and different to heifers and growing animals EFs. In addition, enteric CH4 EFs were strongly correlated with the feed digestibility, level of milk production, and CH4 conversion rate. The adoption of the newly developed EFs for dairy cattle in the next national GHG inventory would lead to a potential total GHG reduction from the South Korean dairy sector of 97,000 tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent per year (8%). The outcome of this study underscores the importance of obtaining country-specific EFs to estimate national enteric CH4 emissions, which can further support the assessment of mitigation actions.

｢탄소중립 2050｣ 추진전략 이행에 따른 근해어업의 온실가스 감축잠재량 추정

The purpose of this study is to estimate potential greenhouse gas(GHG) reductions of offshore fisheries following the implementation of 「2050 Carbon Neutral」 strategy and then to suggest policy alternatives based on the analysis results. To estimate the potential GHG reductions, a dynamic optimal fisheries theory was used in the analysis. As a result, the offshore fisheries" fishing effort was inputted 30% more than the optimal level. If excess fishing effort were reduced, the potential GHG reductions of offshore fisheries was estimated to 464,683tCO₂. In addition, when GHG emissions are regulated, the profit rate of offshore fisheries decreases by 0.46%, but it is analyzed that there is no significant damage. Thus, in order to reduce GHG emissions, it is necessary to expand fishing vessel buyback program and start discussion on the development of electric hybrid fishing vessels.

The Role of Anaerobic Digestion in Reducing Dairy Farm Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy farms are significant contributors to global warming. However, much of the published work on GHG reduction is focused on either methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O), with few, if any, considering the interactions that changes to farming systems can have on both gases. This paper takes the raw data from a year of activity on a 300-cow commercial dairy farm in Northern Ireland to more accurately quantify GHG sources by use of a simple predictive model based on IPCC methodology. Differing herd management policies are examined together with the impact of integrating anaerobic digestion (AD) into each farming system. Whilst significant success can be predicted in capturing CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2) as biogas and preventing N2O emissions, gains made can be lost in a subsequent process, negating some or all of the advantage. The process of extracting value from the captured resource is discussed in light of current farm parameters together with indications of other potential revenue streams. However, this study has concluded that despite the significant potential for GHG reduction, there is little incentive for widespread adoption of manure-based farm-scale AD in the UK at this time.

Pathways toward inclusive low-emission dairy development in Tanzania: Producer heterogeneity and implications for intervention design

ContextReducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector – especially livestock – through low-emission development (LED) has attracted increased global attention. However, producers rarely prioritize emission reduction in their day-to-day practices, resulting in a mismatch between global and national environmental policies and local development interests. This raises the urgency of identifying overlapping solution spaces that would address global and national environmental targets and farmers' production goals. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to identify pathways for scaling LED that better account for divergent smallholder capabilities, strategies, and interests. MethodsA multivariate cluster analysis was used to evaluate producer heterogeneity. The analysis utilized data from 1176 household surveys in Tanzania. Informed by these results, stakeholder workshops were held to identify how each group is uniquely constrained in the adoption of LED practices and viable paths forward. Results and discussionsOur results reveal six distinct farmer types, distinguishable by their asset base, livestock ownership, cattle breeds, access to market, and income diversity. The six groups presented three levels of LED uptake, high, moderate, and low. Variants of technological packages and market-based interventions, access to better quality inputs, and extension services will be more impactful when correctly matched to producers' asset portfolios, interests, and needs for the high and moderately intensifying producers. However, interventions that address both the knowledge and resource gaps for producers who demonstrate low uptake of LED will be more appropriate. Achieving GHG reduction will be modest from already intensifying groups and the low uptake groups, while moderately intensifying groups present the highest leverage for increased GHG reduction potential. This highlights how taking a food system approach rather than a technological package would be more beneficial especially in targeting groups that are not interested in LED. SignificanceThis study challenges the conceptualization of LED as a simple technological fix. We demonstrate that LED, as currently conceptualized, is not equally accessible or appealing to everyone. Consequently, successful LED uptake is contingent on donor and state ability to match LED strategies, local development priorities, and food systems objectives to develop more targeted needs-driven implementation pathways.

Theoretical calculation of biogas production and greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of livestock, poultry and slaughterhouse waste in Bangladesh

The utilisation of available renewable resources and mitigating their impact on the environment boosts sustainable development and helps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Biogas is a renewable energy option produced through anaerobic digestion of wastes such as livestock excreta and slaughterhouse wastes. Biogas production is treated as one of the leading processes to combat climate change as well as a waste management strategy, especially for a developing country like Bangladesh. It is also vital in meeting future demand for energy utilising indigenous sources. Livestock farming is an important economic activity in rural areas of Bangladesh. Thus, the livestock waste production, estimated biogas generation capacity, electricity generation potential, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential, and estimated biofertiliser generation capacity of Bangladesh were determined for the financial year 2018–2019 in this study. The results show that Bangladesh had 486.77 million tons per year of animal waste products to produce 27,923.72 million m3/year biogas in 2018–2019. This biogas potential corresponds to a theoretical potential to produce a 512 PJ/year heating value and electric power of 50 TW h/year. Besides, about 29.232 million tons per year of organic fertiliser can be produced with the residues of the biogas plants. The findings of this study will contribute to guiding policymakers and governments who will concentrate on the use of animal waste in biogas industries and livestock farming as a potential bioenergy source to meet national energy demand.

Life-cycle assessment of treating slaughterhouse waste using anaerobic digestion systems

The meat industry in the US generates considerable amount of slaughterhouse waste (SHW), which is typically converted into more useable products through the rendering process. Although rendering generates sellable fat and meal commodities, it has large environmental impacts because it is energy intensive. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology for treating SHW and reducing environmental impact through biogas production to generate heat or electricity, as well as by enabling nutrient recovery and pathogen reduction. This study compared the life-cycle energy use and global warming impact of treating SHW with traditional rendering with AD to produce heat and electricity. The study also considered the co-digestion of SHW with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge. A cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment (LCA) method was used to quantify the energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of these systems for treating SHW. We compared three scenarios: (1) AD of SHW, (2) Co-AD of SHW with OFMSW, and (3) Co-AD of SHW with sewage sludge to reference systems of simple rendering and composting. The study findings revealed that the total cradle-to-gate energy use and GHG emissions by treating SHW with AD and co-AD were 0.5−6.7 GJ/1000 kg-SHW and 400−834 kg-CO₂-eq/1000 kg-SHW, whereas for the rendering control scenarios total cradle-to-gate energy use and GHG emissions were 1.9 GJ/1000 kg-SHW and 96.4 kg-CO₂-eq/1000 kg-SHW, respectively. However, considering all the benefits of treating SHW with co-AD, including the displacement of fossil fuel and electricity and nitrogen fertilizers generated as system outputs, these systems perform better than the rendering process. Compared to the reference systems, the GHG reduction potential of treating SHW with co-AD varied between 426.8 and 524.0 kg-CO₂-eq/1000 kg-SHW. Among all input parameters, methane (CH₄) leak from the AD system, and nitrogen fertilizer displacement were the most sensitive parameters affecting the results. By implementing AD of SHW in meat industries in the southeast US, the energy production and GHG emissions reduction potential were estimated to be 22–29 × 10⁶ GJ and 1.6–2.0 × 10 9 kg-CO₂-eq per year, respectively. The results indicate that the AD of SHW can substantially reduce GHG emissions of the US meat industry as well as produce bioenergy to provide energy security in the US. • Co-AD of SHW with a co-substrate can produce energy of 6.03–7.60 GJ/1000 kg-SHW. • Co-AD of SHW with sewage sludge can reduce up to 524.0 kg-CO₂-eq/1000 kg-SHW. • Methane leak and fertilizer displacement substantially impact GHG emissions of AD. • AD of SHW in the southeast US can reduce GHG emissions by 2.0 × 10⁹ kg-CO₂-eq/year.

Translating a Global Emission-Reduction Framework for Subnational Climate Action: A Case Study from the State of Georgia

Subnational entities are recognizing the need to systematically examine options for reducing their carbon footprints. However, few robust and comprehensive analyses are available that lay out how US states and regions can most effectively contribute. This paper describes an approach developed for Georgia—a state in the southeastern United States called “Drawdown Georgia”, our research involves (1) understanding Georgia’s baseline carbon footprint and trends, (2) identifying the universe of Georgia-specific carbon-reduction solutions that could be impactful by 2030, (3) estimating the greenhouse gas reduction potential of these high-impact 2030 solutions for Georgia, and (4) estimating associated costs and benefits while also considering how the solutions might impact societal priorities, such as economic development opportunities, public health, environmental benefits, and equity. We began by examining the global solutions identified by Project Drawdown. The resulting 20 high-impact 2030 solutions provide a strategy for reducing Georgia’s carbon footprint in the next decade using market-ready technologies and practices and including negative emission solutions. This paper describes our systematic and replicable process and ends with a discussion of its strengths, weaknesses, and planned future research.

Assessing the performance and cost-competitiveness of a dual-source solar assisted heat pump in cold climates

In many cold climates, the coincidence of long heating seasons as well as relatively high levels of solar insolation offer an opportunity to explore the potential for solar-assisted air source heat pumps to meet greenhouse gas reduction objectives for space and water heating systems. This paper presents the results of a detailed performance analysis based on 6 months of field test data of a pre-commercial, dual source solar-assisted heat pump. The data gathered during field-testing as well as the functionality of the system were studied extensively to develop and calibrate an hourly energy model. The model replicates the performance and operating modes of the solar-assisted air source heat pump. It allows for an hourly assessment of the energy savings, greenhouse gas reduction potential and cost competitiveness of this system as compared to other high performance HVAC systems in a variety of climate locations and archetype house loads. A parametric analysis is undertaken to assess the impact of key components on system viability. Results indicate that for some regions and archetype house loads, the dual-source solar-assisted heat pump can lead to significant energy savings and GHG emissions reductions when compared to high performing HVAC systems. These savings may enable a favorable payback period when a competitive capital cost is considered. The objective of the study was to identify locations and archetypes in which this solar-assisted heat pump topology may make sense for further development and demonstration.

Insights in overcoming the non-adoption of voluntary agricultural ghg mitigation measures in Ireland

Agricultural Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland are projected to increase up to 21 Mt CO2eq by 2030 mainly driven by increased dairy cow numbers and increased nitrogen fertiliser use. In response to the growing public awareness of the GHG emissions' environmental impact, the Irish government published the Climate Action Plan in 2019, which identifies the agricultural sector's leading role in reducing GHG emission and increasing carbon removals to achieve the national GHG emission targets by 2030. Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACCs) on Irish GHG emissions have projected the total technically feasible mitigation potential for the Irish agriculture, forestry and land use (AFOLU) sector to be sufficient enough to achieve the set targets by 2030. Although these mitigation measures are available and when implemented, would mostly lead to a win-win situation, the voluntary adaptation rate by farmers is low. This study addresses the most significant determinants of voluntary adoption of mitigation measures by systematically examining existing literature on how and to what extent non-price determinants affectthe voluntary adoption rate of technically feasible mitigation measures in the Irish afolu sector. The main identified nonprice determining factors were the degree of farmers' awareness regarding man-made GHG emissions, receiving agrienvironmental advice, implementation costs, profitability and size of farms, land quality and the type of farm enterprise. Integrating the gained results in the former macc analysis enabled us to adopt the implementation rates of the cost-efficient afolu mitigation measures accordingly. The non-price determinants impact the voluntary uptake rate of AFOLU mitigation measures to the extent that the adjusted total Irish AFOLU abatement potential is 47% lower than technically feasible. Considering that 51.6% of the total estimated AFOLU abatement potential in 2030 is offset through Irish forestry, which at current afforestation rate will turn into a net carbon source by 2035, a significant gap occurs to any potential Irish and EU GHG reduction targets. To substantially help bring the nexus between agricultural development and GHG emission targets in Ireland closer together, policy measures, that differentiate between the different type of AFOLU mitigation measures, need to be implemented to enhance the uptake rate of cost-beneficial and cost-effective measures. This would have the potential to reduce the level of agricultural GHG emissions by 2030 in a way that it would converge towards possible EU and Irish GHG emission reduction targets.

Lignocellulosic ethanol production combined with CCS—A study of GHG reductions and potential environmental trade‐offs

AbstractThe combination of bioethanol production and carbon capture and storage technologies (BECCS) is considered an indispensable method for the achievement of the targets set by the Paris agreement. In Croatia, a first‐of‐its‐kind biorefinery project is currently underway that aims to integrate a second‐generation ethanol plant into an existing fossil refinery. The goal is to replace the fossil fuel production by second‐generation ethanol production using miscanthus. In the ethanol fermentation, CO2 is emitted in highly concentrated form and this can be directly compressed, injected and stored in exploited oil reservoirs. This study presents an assessment of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of miscanthus ethanol produced in combination with CCS technology, based on data from the planning process of this biorefinery project. The GHG reduction potential is evaluated as part of a full environmental life cycle assessment. This is of particular relevance as a lignocellulosic ethanol industry is currently emerging in the European Union (EU) and LCAs of BECCS systems have, so far, often omitted environmental impacts other than GHG emissions. Overall, the ethanol to be produced in this planned biorefinery project would clearly achieve the EU's global warming potential (GWP) reduction target for biofuels. Depending on the accounting approach applied for the biological carbon storage, reduction potentials between 104% and 138% relative to the fossil comparator are likely. In addition, ethanol can reduce risks to resource availability. As such, the results generated from data based on the intended biorefinery project support the two major rationales for biofuel use. However, these reductions could come at the expense of human health and ecosystem quality impacts associated with the combustion of lignin and biogas. In order to prevent potential environmental trade‐offs, it will be imperative to monitor and manage these emissions from residue combustion, as they represent significant drivers of the overall environmental impacts.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions of New Zealand beef through better integration of dairy and beef production

Integrating dairy and beef production offers opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of beef production, which is dominated by emissions related to maintenance of the breeding cow. This study aims to quantify the GHG reduction potential of the New Zealand (NZ) beef sector when replacing beef breeding cows and their calves with dairy beef animals. To this end, we combined a cattle herd model of NZ beef and dairy production with GHG emission calculations of beef production. We computed GHG emissions (to farm-gate stage) of the current amount of beef produced, while increasing the number of dairy beef calves at the expense of the number of suckler-beef calves. GHG emissions were 29% lower per kg carcass weight for dairy beef animals compared to suckler-beef animals. The average emission intensity decreased from 21.3 to 16.7 kg CO2e per kg carcass weight (−22%) as the number of suckler-beef animals declined to zero and dairy beef animals increased. Integrating dairy and beef production would enable the NZ beef sector to reduce annual GHG emissions by nearly 2000 kt CO2e (i.e. 22% of the total sector's emissions), while the dairy sector would improve their social licence to operate by reducing the number of surplus dairy calves slaughtered from 4-days old.

Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potentials by Introducing Smart Energy Systems: Empirical Evidence in Korea’s Building Energy Management System

Estimation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potentials by Introducing Smart Energy Systems: Empirical Evidence in Korea’s Building Energy Management System

Potential management interventions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from tea cultivation

Previous studies have confirmed the agricultural stage as an important contributor to total tea life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We therefore focus on the growing and processing of black tea and evaluate the GHG reduction potential of possible agricultural management interventions for tea produced from Unilever’s tea estates and factories in Kenya. A baseline GHG footprint was calculated using data collected over four years. Potential interventions to reduce the GHG footprint per kg of black tea focused on key drivers (yield and fertiliser use) of the GHG footprint. These interventions and their effects on production are evidence-based but hypothetical and relate to possible changes in: (1) Harvesting practices; (2) Fertiliser application (timing) and (3) Organic production. Improvements in fertiliser application and harvesting practices could potentially deliver 16% and 9% reduction in GHG emissions, respectively. Under favourable conditions (sourcing fertiliser locally and no yield decline), changing to organic production could theoretically deliver 25% reduction in GHG emissions. However, under less favourable conditions (European sourced fertiliser and 30% yield decline), GHG emissions could increase by 41%. The availability of locally sourced organic fertiliser, sufficient to maintain nitrogen application rates, is seen as the biggest challenge in delivering sustainable organic tea cultivation.

Predicting energy efficiency and greenhouse gases reduction potential under different tillage management and farm size scenarios for winter wheat production

Winter wheat is the most popular crop in Europe and at the same time a major contributor to environmental pollution, as its production process is energy-intensive and emits high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG). Therefore, tackling the pollution of agroecosystems requires development of cleaner production technologies by integrating sustainable agricultural production practices that reduce the use of machinery, diesel and chemicals. The aim of this study was to determine the main indicators of energy and carbon emissions in winter wheat production taking into account different scenarios based on tillage technologies and farm sizes. Three sizes of farms (<10 ha, 10–100 ha, and >100 ha) and three different tillage systems (conventional (CT), minimal (MT) and no tillage (NT)) were used in this study in order to build up different scenarios.The cost of fuel, time, energy and carbon emissions for the size of the farm, the area of wheat and the amount of crop harvested were analysed based on the developed scenarios. The lowest total cost of fuel and working time for the total area of winter wheat (621 032 ha) were needed under the scenario SC 3 – 65.37 million L and 3.05 million h or 105.26 L ha−1 and 4.90 h ha−1, respectively. The best energy efficiency ratio (3.84), energy productivity ratio (0.26 kg MJ−1) and specific energy ratio (3.80 MJ kg−1) for winter wheat production were found in large farms (>100 ha) under no tillage. A comparison of the tillage and the farm size scenarios showed that by applying the scenario SC 3, where CT is 30–70%, MT is 20–50%, and NT is 10–20%, the carbon emissions for the total area of winter wheat could be reduced by 12.6 kilotonnes carbon emission, compared to the scenario SC 1, where CT is 50–100%, MT is 0–40%, and NT 0–10%. In conclusion, the modelled scenarios results suggested that implementation of NT and MT technologies using instead of carbon emission more efficiently mitigate environment pollution, decreasing fuel and energy consumption and working time in winter wheat production.

Evaluating long-term greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities through carbon capture, utilization, and storage in the oil sands

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has been identified as the only option for substantially reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel-based processes. There has been limited research into the long-term GHG reduction potential of integrating CCUS into unconventional oil extraction processes. We developed a CCUS-oil sands market penetration model and integrated it with a bottom-up energy model (LEAP-Canada) to conduct a cost-benefit case study for the Canadian oil sands. Scenarios were developed considering currently available CCUS technologies and were investigated under different carbon pricing policies. Cumulative GHG emission mitigation potential from the CCUS applications ranged from 3 to 232 million tonnes (Mt) with marginal costs of $-28–42/tCO2e. Carbon pricing led to an average 3% increase in 2050 market shares of the technologies, resulting in additional GHG abatement of 4.9% (172 Mt). CCUS was found to be the costliest GHG emission mitigation option compared to increased integration of cogeneration and energy efficiency measures. The maximum cumulative oil sands GHG emission mitigation achieved in this study was 7%. This research ultimately provides insights into applications of CCUS technologies into the oil sands industry that might be useful to industry planners and policymakers and support the sustainable development of oil sands resources.