CO2 emission has been focused on as only one environmental impact of biomass. But it is necessary to consider the emission of other greenhouse gases such as CH4 and N2O in biomass production. Land use of biomass production is also key effect to environment.

In addition, the competition with food might be considered as derivative environmental impact in the case of cultivation type of biomass.

Further information

Tahara, K. et al. “Evaluation of generation plant by LCA-Calculation of CO2 payback time “, Chemical Engineering, 23(1), pp.88-94, 1997 (in Japanese)

Uchiyama, Y. and H. Yamamoto, “Impact of Generation Plant on Global Warming”, Central Res. Inst. of Electric Power Industry report Y91005, 1992 (in Japanese)

Science and Technology Agency resource survey society, “Natural energy and generation technology”, Taisei Publishing co. Ltd, 1983 (in Japanese)

Tahara, K. et al., “Role of ocean thermal energy conversion in the issue of carbon dioxide”, Macro Review, 6, pp.35-43, 1993 (in Japanese)

Inaba, A, et al, “Life cycle assessment of photovoltaic power generation system, Energy and Resources”, 16(5), pp.525-531, 1995

Tahara, K., et al. “Life Cycle Assessment of Biomass power Generation with Sustainable Forestry System” 4th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT-4) 1998, 9, Interlaken, Switzerland