Biocomplexity Analysis of Alternative Biomass Routes for Power Generation: Environmental, Economic, and Technical Assessment

Abstract- This paper reports on a study employing an integrated approach to analyze the environmental, energy, economic, and technological aspects of using switchgrass (panicum virgatum) as a replacement for coal in power generation. We utilize an environmental biocomplexity approach and examine the agricultural, technological, economic, and environmental aspects of such a substitution. In particular, we use the lifecycle analysis approach to examine the environmental aspects (mainly focusing on the greenhouse gas (GHG) implications and their relationship to economic cost and energy use. The lifecycle analysis mainly concentrates on three stages –On farm switchgrass production, conveyance to power plant and utilization in power generation. Economics, emissions and energy consumption during the on farm stage of all processes between the transformation of switchgrass to electricity are being quantified using material and energy balances