INNOVATEX - I3X - 17
Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability of Biomass-Based Renewable Fuels
Initiating Partner: LUT School of Energy Systems, LUT University, Finland
Initiating Partners' Contacts:
Professor Jouni Havukainen, LUT School of Energy Systems
Research Groups / Units:
LUT's Sustainability Science – School of Energy Systems research group combines life cycle modelling with expertise in biomass conversion technologies, including biogas upgrading (membrane separation, biomethanation), pyrolysis and gasification, and the sustainable use of solid biomass and waste-derived fuels for heat, power, and chemicals production.
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What are the desired outcomes of I3X-17?
LUT is looking for support to assess the environmental sustainability of biomass-based fuel pathways, from feedstock sourcing through conversion technology to end use, and to benchmark these against fossil fuels and Power-to-X (e-fuel) alternatives.
The aim is to clarify under which conditions biomass-based fuels deliver genuine climate and sustainability benefits, and where they may be complementary to, or in competition with, synthetic e-fuel pathways.
R&I Stage: Pilot / Proof of Concept.
What skills and capabilities (across disciplines) would be beneficial for I3X-17?
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Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, particularly for bioenergy and biofuel systems
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Knowledge of biomass conversion technologies (gasification, pyrolysis, biogas upgrading)
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Feedstock and land-use sustainability assessment
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Techno-economic modelling of bioenergy value chains
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Comparative/benchmarking analysis across fuel pathways
Examples of Challenges that need to be addressed for I3X-17?
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Evaluate the sustainability of different biomass feedstocks (forestry residues, agricultural residues, waste streams) used for fuel production in Finland.
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Assess the environmental performance of biogas upgrading routes, including hydrogen-based biomethanation, compared with conventional upgrading.
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Compare life cycle emissions of biomass-based fuels against fossil fuels and Power-to-X e-fuels on a consistent basis.
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Identify where biomass and e-fuel pathways are complementary versus competing for feedstock, land, or infrastructure.
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Support development of guidance for industry and policy on sustainable scale-up of biomass-based fuel production.
I3X-17 Alignment to R3 - Resilience, Restoration, Regeneration
Resilience
Diversifying fuel supply with locally sourced biomass reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthens regional energy security.
Restoration & Regeneration
Sustainable use of residues and waste streams for fuel production supports circular economy principles and can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions when feedstock sourcing is managed responsibly.
Related Keywords:
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Biomass; bioenergy; biogas upgrading; biomethanation; life cycle assessment;p sustainable fuels; circular economy.