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Heat production from a geothermal energy source is gaining increasing attention due to its potential contribution to the decarbonization of the European energy sector. Obtaining representative results of the environmental performances of geothermal systems and comparing them with other renewables is of utmost importance in order to ensure an effective energy transition as targeted by Europe. This work presents the outputs of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed on the Rittershoffen geothermal heat plant applying guidelines that were developed within the H2020 GEOENVI project. The production of 1 kWhth from the Rittershoffen heat plant was compared to the heat produced from natural gas in Europe. Geothermal heat production performed better than the average heat production in climate change and resource use, fossil categories. The LCA identified the electricity consumption during the operation and maintenance phase as a hot spot for several impact categories. A prospective scenario analysis was therefore performed to assess the evolution of the environmental performances of the Rittershoffen heat plant associated with the future French electricity mixes. The increase of renewable energy shares in the future French electricity mix caused the impact on specific categories (e.g., land use and mineral and metals resource depletion) to grow over the years. However, an overall reduction of the environmental impacts of the Rittershoffen heat plant was observed.
Mélanie Douziech; Lorenzo Tosti; Nicola Ferrara; Maria Parisi; Paula Pérez-López; Guillaume Ravier. Applying Harmonised Geothermal Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines to the Rittershoffen Geothermal Heat Plant. Energies 2021, 14, 3820 .
AMA StyleMélanie Douziech, Lorenzo Tosti, Nicola Ferrara, Maria Parisi, Paula Pérez-López, Guillaume Ravier. Applying Harmonised Geothermal Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines to the Rittershoffen Geothermal Heat Plant. Energies. 2021; 14 (13):3820.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMélanie Douziech; Lorenzo Tosti; Nicola Ferrara; Maria Parisi; Paula Pérez-López; Guillaume Ravier. 2021. "Applying Harmonised Geothermal Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines to the Rittershoffen Geothermal Heat Plant." Energies 14, no. 13: 3820.
In this paper, we assess using two alternative allocation schemes, namely exergy and primary energy saving (PES) to compare products generated in different combined heat and power (CHP) geothermal systems. In particular, the adequacy and feasibility of the schemes recommended for allocation are demonstrated by their application to three relevant and significantly different case studies of geothermal CHPs, i.e., (1) Chiusdino in Italy, (2) Altheim in Austria, and (3) Hellisheidi in Iceland. The results showed that, given the generally low temperature level of the cogenerated heat (80–100 °C, usually exploited in district heating), the use of exergy allocation largely marginalizes the importance of the heat byproduct, thus, becoming almost equivalent to electricity for the Chiusdino and Hellisheidi power plants. Therefore, the PES scheme is found to be the more appropriate allocation scheme. Additionally, the exergy scheme is mandatory for allocating power plants’ environmental impacts at a component level in CHP systems. The main drawback of the PES scheme is its country dependency due to the different fuels used, but reasonable and representative values can be achieved based on average EU heat and power generation efficiencies.
Daniele Fiaschi; Giampaolo Manfrida; Barbara Mendecka; Lorenzo Tosti; Maria Parisi. A Comparison of Different Approaches for Assessing Energy Outputs of Combined Heat and Power Geothermal Plants. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4527 .
AMA StyleDaniele Fiaschi, Giampaolo Manfrida, Barbara Mendecka, Lorenzo Tosti, Maria Parisi. A Comparison of Different Approaches for Assessing Energy Outputs of Combined Heat and Power Geothermal Plants. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (8):4527.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniele Fiaschi; Giampaolo Manfrida; Barbara Mendecka; Lorenzo Tosti; Maria Parisi. 2021. "A Comparison of Different Approaches for Assessing Energy Outputs of Combined Heat and Power Geothermal Plants." Sustainability 13, no. 8: 4527.
Purpose: This study evaluates the potential of biomass ash as raw clinker material and the influence of biomass feedstock and thermal conversion technology on biomass ash properties. Methods: A set of criteria for biomass feedstock and ash properties (i.e. CaO/SiO2 ratio and burnability) are established. A large dataset was collected and the best combination of biomass feedstock and conversion technology regarding the desired ash quality was identified. Results: Wood biomass has the highest potential to provide the right CaO/SiO2 ratio which is needed to form clinker minerals. Bark content and exogenous Si inclusion in wood biomass have a large influence on the CaO/SiO2 ratio. Paper sludge is composed of Ca, Si and Al and can potentially serve as a source of cement elements. Wood fly ash from pulverized fuel combustion can substitute a considerable amount of raw clinker materials due to its similar burnability. The replacement ratio is determined by the content of adverse elements in the ash (i.e. MgO2 and P2O5). Conclusion: Using biomass ash to lower the CO2 emission from clinker production depends on the joint effort of bioenergy producers, by providing higher quality biomass ash, and cement makers, by adapting the kiln operation to enable a high level of raw material replacement by biomass ash.The presented evaluation of the ash production chain, from biomass selection through combustion technology and ash management, provides new insights and recommendations for both stakeholders to facilitate this sustainable development. Graphic Abstract
Lorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Rob N. J. Comans. Evaluating Biomass Ash Properties as Influenced by Feedstock and Thermal Conversion Technology towards Cement Clinker Production with a Lower Carbon Footprint. Waste and Biomass Valorization 2021, 12, 4703 -4719.
AMA StyleLorenzo Tosti, André van Zomeren, Jan R. Pels, Rob N. J. Comans. Evaluating Biomass Ash Properties as Influenced by Feedstock and Thermal Conversion Technology towards Cement Clinker Production with a Lower Carbon Footprint. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 2021; 12 (8):4703-4719.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Rob N. J. Comans. 2021. "Evaluating Biomass Ash Properties as Influenced by Feedstock and Thermal Conversion Technology towards Cement Clinker Production with a Lower Carbon Footprint." Waste and Biomass Valorization 12, no. 8: 4703-4719.
Geothermal energy could play a crucial role in the European energy market and future scenarios focused on sustainable development. Thanks to its constant supply of concentrated energy, it can support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In the energy sector, the decision-making process should always be supported by a holistic science-based approach to allow a comprehensive environmental assessment of the technological system, such as the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. In the geothermal sector, the decision-making is particularly difficult due to the large variability of reported results on environmental performance across studies. This calls for harmonized guidelines on how to conduct LCAs of geothermal systems to enhance transparency and results comparability, by ensuring consistent methodological choices and providing indications for harmonized results reporting. This work identifies the main critical aspects of performing an LCA of geothermal systems and provides solutions and technical guidance to harmonize its application. The proposed methodological approach is based on experts’ knowledge from both the geothermal and LCA sectors. The recommendations cover all the life cycle phases of geothermal energy production (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance and end of life) as well as a selection of LCA key elements thus providing a thorough base for concerted LCA guidelines for the geothermal sector. The application of such harmonized LCA framework can ensure comparability among LCA results from different geothermal systems and other renewable energy technologies.
Maria Laura Parisi; Melanie Douziech; Lorenzo Tosti; Paula Pérez-López; Barbara Mendecka; Sergio Ulgiati; Daniele Fiaschi; Giampaolo Manfrida; Isabelle Blanc. Definition of LCA Guidelines in the Geothermal Sector to Enhance Result Comparability. Energies 2020, 13, 3534 .
AMA StyleMaria Laura Parisi, Melanie Douziech, Lorenzo Tosti, Paula Pérez-López, Barbara Mendecka, Sergio Ulgiati, Daniele Fiaschi, Giampaolo Manfrida, Isabelle Blanc. Definition of LCA Guidelines in the Geothermal Sector to Enhance Result Comparability. Energies. 2020; 13 (14):3534.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Laura Parisi; Melanie Douziech; Lorenzo Tosti; Paula Pérez-López; Barbara Mendecka; Sergio Ulgiati; Daniele Fiaschi; Giampaolo Manfrida; Isabelle Blanc. 2020. "Definition of LCA Guidelines in the Geothermal Sector to Enhance Result Comparability." Energies 13, no. 14: 3534.
Technologies to produce electric energy from renewable geothermal source are gaining increasing attention, due to their ability to provide a stable output suitable for baseload production. Performing life cycle assessment (LCA) of geothermal systems has become essential to evaluate their environmental performance. However, so far, no documented nor reliable information has been made available for developing robust LCA studies. This work provides a comprehensive inventory of the Italian Bagnore geothermal power plants system. The inventory is based exclusively on primary data, accounting for every life cycle stage of the system. Data quality was assessed by means of a pedigree matrix. The calculated LCA results showed, with an overall low level of uncertainty (2–3%), that the commissioning and operational phases accounted for more than 95% of the environmental profile. Direct emissions to atmosphere were shown to be the major environmental impact, particularly those released during the operational phase (84%). The environmental performances comparison with the average Italian electricity mix showed that the balance is always in favor of geothermal energy production, except in the climate change impact category. The overall outcome confirms the importance, for flash technology employing fluid with a high concentration of gas content, of using good quality primary data to obtain robust results.
Lorenzo Tosti; Nicola Ferrara; Riccardo Basosi; Maria Laura Parisi. Complete Data Inventory of a Geothermal Power Plant for Robust Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment Results. Energies 2020, 13, 2839 .
AMA StyleLorenzo Tosti, Nicola Ferrara, Riccardo Basosi, Maria Laura Parisi. Complete Data Inventory of a Geothermal Power Plant for Robust Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment Results. Energies. 2020; 13 (11):2839.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Tosti; Nicola Ferrara; Riccardo Basosi; Maria Laura Parisi. 2020. "Complete Data Inventory of a Geothermal Power Plant for Robust Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment Results." Energies 13, no. 11: 2839.
Lorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Anders Damgaard; Rob N.J. Comans. Life cycle assessment of the reuse of fly ash from biomass combustion as secondary cementitious material in cement products. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 245, 1 .
AMA StyleLorenzo Tosti, André van Zomeren, Jan R. Pels, Anders Damgaard, Rob N.J. Comans. Life cycle assessment of the reuse of fly ash from biomass combustion as secondary cementitious material in cement products. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 245 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Anders Damgaard; Rob N.J. Comans. 2020. "Life cycle assessment of the reuse of fly ash from biomass combustion as secondary cementitious material in cement products." Journal of Cleaner Production 245, no. : 1.
The pH-dependent availability and leaching of major and trace elements was investigated for a wide range of biomass ash from different fuels and conversion technologies. A technical and environmental assessment of selected biomass ash for application in soil or cement mortars was performed, using both the total content and leaching of elements. A large variation in biomass ash composition, yet consistent pH dependent leaching patterns were observed for most elements and conversion technologies. Chromium showed a distinct behaviour which was hypothesized to reflect redox conditions during conversion of the biomass. The leaching based approach was found to provide a more realistic assessment of the availability of desired (i.e. nutrients) and undesired elements (i.e. contaminants) in soil systems. When applied to a reference soil at a rate of 2% by weight, the selected biomass ash increased the concentration of particularly Cr, Mo and Zn in soil solution to a level of concern. For cement applications, the release of Ba, Cr and Mo can become of concern during the second life stage, but the release was not attributed to the included biomass ash. Both soil and cement matrixes were found to control the release of elements such as Cu, V and Ni (soil) and As, Cr and Mo (cement) when compared to the released from pure biomass ash, underlining the importance of evaluating the availability and leaching of desired and undesired elements in the application scenario. Given current regulatory criteria, beneficial utilization of biomass ash in cement may be more feasible than in soil, but regulatory criteria based on leaching rather than total content of elements may widen the application potential of biomass ash.
Lorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Joris J. Dijkstra; Rob N.J. Comans. Assessment of biomass ash applications in soil and cement mortars. Chemosphere 2019, 223, 425 -437.
AMA StyleLorenzo Tosti, André van Zomeren, Jan R. Pels, Joris J. Dijkstra, Rob N.J. Comans. Assessment of biomass ash applications in soil and cement mortars. Chemosphere. 2019; 223 ():425-437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Joris J. Dijkstra; Rob N.J. Comans. 2019. "Assessment of biomass ash applications in soil and cement mortars." Chemosphere 223, no. : 425-437.
This study evaluated the mechanical and environmental properties of cement mortars containing fly ash from biomass combustion as a secondary cementitious material. Cement mortars with 20 and 40% wt. replacement of Portland cement with fly ash from two types of installations were tested for their compressive strength and leaching behaviour. Substitution of 20% Portland cement with wood fly ash complied with the reference standard for compressive strength of 42.5öMPa at 28ödays. Replacement rates of 40% developed a lower strength (30 and 33.5öMPa), but were still suitable for applications. The pulverized fuel ash perform substantially worse. We conclude that the biomass fly ash from fluidized bed combustion performs as a functional secondary cementitious material in cement, whereas the functionality of pulverized fuel fly ash is insufficient. The release of environmentally relevant elements from all the tested specimens fulfilled the Dutch leaching criteria for reuse. During second life as a granular construction material the release of Ba, Cr, Mo and V increased to a level of concern. However, this release was found to be similar to that of existing blended cements and was controlled by cement chemistry. The technical performance of cement mortars was influenced by the type and ratio of fly ash mixed with cement. However, the environmental performance was driven by the cement matrix that controlled the release of contaminants. Using biomass fly ash as a secondary cementitious material can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by 40% while maintaining good technical and environmental performance.
Lorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Rob N.J. Comans. Technical and environmental performance of lower carbon footprint cement mortars containing biomass fly ash as a secondary cementitious material. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2018, 134, 25 -33.
AMA StyleLorenzo Tosti, André van Zomeren, Jan R. Pels, Rob N.J. Comans. Technical and environmental performance of lower carbon footprint cement mortars containing biomass fly ash as a secondary cementitious material. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2018; 134 ():25-33.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Tosti; André van Zomeren; Jan R. Pels; Rob N.J. Comans. 2018. "Technical and environmental performance of lower carbon footprint cement mortars containing biomass fly ash as a secondary cementitious material." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 134, no. : 25-33.