What is the most sustainable biomass supply mix for bioethanol production? Example of the Burgundy region in France.

Large uncertainties in the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of biofuels could offset their potential savings. These arise from the difficulty in taking into consideration land use change effects and N2O emissions, which are strongly dependent on local pedoclimatic conditions and technological options for feedstock cultivation. Here, we used an crop model (CERES-EGC) to simulate crop growth and C-N dynamics in the cultivation fields at the regional scale for a wide range of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Bioethanol made from cereal straw achieved the largest GHG reduction compared with fossil fuels (at 74%). Among the dedicated energy crops investigated, Miscan-thus had the highest GHG abatement potential, ranging from 63 to 72% depending on crop management. A combination of feedstock sources (straw, Miscanthus and triticale) stroke the best compromise to fulfill sustainability criteria, secure the supply and limit the pres-sure on land and competition with food.

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