Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Fossil fuel contributes to global warming through emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2.
Measures to reduce these gases may affect food security due to the productive land allocated
for bioenergy production. The aim of this study was to show how leguminous tree species can
contribute to the sustainability and economy of bioenergy production systems on degraded
land. Specific objectives were; firstly, to describe how energy is produced by Eucalyptuspellets,
Sesbania-pellets and sugarcane-ethanol systems through out the life cycle (LCA), and
secondly, analysis of emission reduction by these bioenergy systems. The empirical
background data used consists of data collected from different reports and investigations. The
studied reports cover a broad range of site conditions and methodological approaches. As the
analysis was based on secondary data, an inventory was carried out for energy input and
output, emission and uptake of CO2 from all stages in the life cycle of the assessed products. It
is interesting in this study to have incredible bioenergy production yet it is difficult to obtain
enough consistent data. However, it reveals some remarkable outcomes that can guide future
research. Such outcomes included the high potential for sustainable bioenergy production on
degraded land by using improved fallow with Sesbania which reduces the energy input, costs
and emissions from using commercial N-fertilizers.