Best Practices of Biomass Energy Life Cycle Assessment and Possible Applications in Serbia

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the advantages of using Life Cycle Assessment (or LCA) tool in energy sector for rational energy consumption, selection of green technologies and process optimization. Besides the definition and description of basic principles of this method and its historical development, previous examples of worldwide applications are analyzed. Review of these examples is made on the basis of a critical analysis of the available literature regarding the application of LCA for sustainable production of electricity and heat. Trend of using this tool since its inception until now is rising, together with a greater interest of general public to reduce negative impacts on the environment during production, use and disposal of various products. Compared to other countries (EU and beyond), in Serbia the LCA tool is insufficiently studied and practically unused. With this regard, special emphasis is placed on the possibility of practicing LCA in terms of proving the environmental suitability of biomass as an energy source, considering its huge potential in the Republic of Serbia. Wider utilization of LCA approach would also enable investigation and assessment of possibilities for heat production by different renewable energy sources in order to identify optimized environmental solutions for Serbian energy sector and to decrease dependence on energy imports through increased reliance on domestic energy resources.