LAB #2: BioGrace - Instructions

Learning objective

The objective of this lab work is to learn how the BioGrace excel greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation tool (BioGrace model) is used to estimate GHG emissions in the biofuels production chain. This will also provide practical knowledge and insights on transparent and harmonized GHG accounting procedures.

Introduction of BioGrace model

Fuels derived from biomass are considered to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, also substitute fossil fuels in the transportation sector. GHG impact is one of the key factors in assessing the sustainability of renewable energy, especially liquid biofuels. Therefore, it is important to account the lifecycle emissions in the production chain of biofuels. Besides, accounting procedure should be transparent and harmonized.

For the purpose of harmonizing and transparent accounting of GHG emissions, an EU funded BioGrace project has developed an excel model using a lifecycle approach. The model considers material inputs and emissions factors/standard values in the entire production phase. Details about the GHG calculation tool can be found at www.biograce.net. The model presents the calculation of the GHG emissions default values of 22 biofuel production pathways listed in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), see Annex V part A of RED. The model also allows to use individual input numbers, define own standard values, add process steps to an existing biofuels chain, and set up new biofuel pathways. Note that the BioGrace excel model is not mandatory when making biofuels GHG calculations in the EU regulations. But, it supports for the implementation of the RED across the EU.

Description of the lab work

The lab work is divided into two sections: lecture and project work.

Lecture

The lecture will cover the following subject:

Sustainability assessment of biofuels
Renewable Energy Directive (RED), directive 2009/28/EC
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool
GHG accounting methodologies
BioGrace project and an illustration/demo of the BioGrace model

Project work and guidelines

Students are asked to perform a project work related to accounting GHG emissions in the production of biofuel. Different biofuel pathways are given in the BioGrace model. Two students will work together in a team for the project work. If students want to develop a project individually it is absolutely okay. Students will select one of the biofuel pathways from the model and estimate GHG emissions, considering case specific input values. Students should themselves select a geographical location/country, depending upon the availability of data source and their own interest. The model and calculation rules for estimating GHG emissions can be downloaded freely from webpages given below.

Students are requested to present findings/results of the project work on 12 November 2012, considering one of biofuel pathways. Results should include GHG emissions reduction (savings) compared to fossil fuel reference, e.g. petrol or diesel. They will also submit a 4-5 pages project report before 20 November 2012.

Lab schedule and structure of activities

30 October (4 hrs.): Lecture and demonstration of the model
5 November (4 hrs.): Formation of the group and project work
7 November (4 hrs.): Project work
12 November (2 hrs.): Final presentation and feedback

Note: It is important to stress that supervision will also be provided during the project work.

Course and lab materials

BioGrace home page
Please download the excel model by clicking in here
User Manual
BioGrace calculation rules and guidelines
Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) of the European parliament and of the council