A review of comparative life cycle assessment of dry, wet, and microwave torrefaction pathways for sustainable bioenergy systems
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F61989100%3A27650%2F25%3A10257727" target="_blank" >RIV/61989100:27650/25:10257727 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032125005489" target="_blank" >https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032125005489</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.115875" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.rser.2025.115875</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
A review of comparative life cycle assessment of dry, wet, and microwave torrefaction pathways for sustainable bioenergy systems
Original language description
Understanding the lifecycle carbon impacts of different torrefaction methods is critical to advancing sustainable bioenergy solutions. While prior research has explored individual torrefaction pathways, comprehensive comparisons of carbon flows and global warming potential (GWP) across dry (conventional), wet (hydrothermal carbonization), and microwave-assisted torrefaction remain limited. This review compares the life cycle assessment (LCA) results of these torrefaction technologies, focusing on their carbon footprints, GWP per experimental configuration, and net carbon benefits (NCB). Conventional torrefaction exhibits GWP values ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 kg CO2 eq per kg biomass, while electricity generation from torrefied biochar generally ranges between 0.1 and 0.3 kg CO2 eq·kWh−1. Microwave-assisted torrefaction demonstrates the lowest GWP (∼0.110 kg CO2 eq·kWh−1), making it a promising route for producing coal-like solid fuels. Conversely, hydrochar-based electricity from hydrothermal carbonization tends to yield higher GWP. Feedstock type, energy source, process temperature, and LCA boundary conditions influence environmental impacts across torrefaction methods. Among the pathways evaluated, microwave torrefaction offers higher NCB, lower emissions, and greater process efficiency for energy recovery. This review also outlines methodological challenges in LCA harmonization and highlights opportunities for carbon credit validation and policy support toward net-zero biomass energy systems.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
20700 - Environmental engineering
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/TQ16000072" target="_blank" >TQ16000072: Recyclable Waste-derived Sorbents for Sustainable Process GHG Emissions Control</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
ISSN
1364-0321
e-ISSN
1364-0321
Volume of the periodical
219
Issue of the periodical within the volume
115875
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
20
Pages from-to
1-20
UT code for WoS article
001502069700001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
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