Methodology and evidence base on the indirect greenhouse gas effects of using wastes, residues, and by-products for biofuels and bioenergy

Nov 2009

The research presented in this report has been commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Agency and the Department for Energy and Climate Change in order to develop a methodology for quantifying the indirect greenhouse gas impacts of using “wastes”, “residues” and “by-products” for biofuels or bioenergy, and to provide an evidence base on these effects.
The aims of the project are to:
1. Develop a methodology for quantifying the indirect greenhouse gas impacts of using “wastes”, “residues” and “by-products” for biofuels or bioenergy
2. Provide four case studies, applying the methodology to the following materials:
a. Molasses
b. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
c. Straw
d. Tallow
The report also provides discussion on existing legislative definitions of “wastes”, “residues” and “by-products”; an assessment of the applicability of the methodology to the heat and power sectors; the practical implications of incorporating the methodology into regulatory mechanisms; and the compatibility of the methodology with the Renewable Energy Directive.

By: Econometrica - Eunomia - Imperial College London

 
download this document:   894 kb
home