BiofuelEnvironmental impact

Group 2 – Hulda Dagmar and Mervi

Biofuel That we focus on here:The Bio Fuel that we think is feasable in Iceland

Biofuel - General discussions

Seaweeds

Waste

Lupine

Biomass can have a variety of meanings, but in the context of this guidance it refers to deriving energy from biological material through a transformation process.

The energy provided may be HeatElectricity Mechanical power

The biological material may come from animal or plant sources including animal wastes and composts

The transformative process may be direct combustion or perhaps involve gasification, fermentation or pyrolysis

General effects - positiveIt can help mitigate climate change

Reduce acid rain

Protect the soil from erosion

Reduce landfills and protect fresh water

Provide wildlife habitat

Help maintain forest health through better management.

General effects - Negative

Burning or gasifying biomass does emit carbon into the atmosphereCould eliminate unmanaged forests and wild areas

Air pollutionFresh water useBring increasing preasure on world food prices Takes large land from food productions

General effects - Land use is a sensitive topic competition with the food industry can cause social conflict

Future Global land use according toThe Resilient Earth

Source: www.theresilientearth.com

SEAWEEDBrown seaweed grows up to 3 meters in 8 months- capture nutrients from their roots and entire surface- producing fuel from seaweed is easier than from normal plant

- does not produce lignin

SeaweedPositive environment impacts

• Biodiversity• Not in competition with

food– May attract fish– Wild seaweed used in Iceland

• Natural Carbon storage– bio-filter– pollution buffer

• in July the carbohydrate levels are their highest

Negative environment impacts

• Loss for biodiversity• Pollution from planting &

harvesting • Power plant also creates

some pollution– Noise– Smell– Emissions– “the beauty”– Local air quality

WasteGarbage is a wonderful mixture of energy-rich fuels. In 100 pounds of typical garbage, more than 80 pounds can be burned as fuel to generate electricity at a power plant. A ton of garbage generates about 525 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.Waste-to-energy plants generate enough electricity to supply millions of households. The major advantage of burning waste is that it reduces the amount of garbage we bury in landfills.Waste-to-energy plant can recycle thousands of tons of metals from its ash. The ash can then be reused for many applications, to build roads and make cement.The source of fuel is readily available in large The dilemma of waste management will be reduced

“This is supposed to be going to China, but it isn’t going anywhere,” said Arno Vink, an inspector from the Dutch environment ministry.

Waste

• “Compared to the relatively low population figures, Iceland produces a substantial amount of waste and the amounts are increasing.” (UN,2012)

• “all landfilling of organic and combustible waste will be terminated no later than 2020” (Mannvit, 2012)

• EU (and EEA): 6th Environmental Action Programme (2002 – 2012)– Also directive on landfills: directive 1999/31/EC

• Iceland: National Waste Management Plan 2004 – 2016– Law on landfills: law no. 55/2033

WastePositive environmental impacts

• Less landfills• Make a substantial

contribution to environmental protection

• Save raw materials and energy resources

Negative environmental impacts• Pollution from the power

plant– Noise– Smell– “the beauty”– Waste water– Ash

• Infrastructure– Transportation– Building treatment facilities

LupineThe Lupin grows all over Iceland many does not like it and want to eliminate it It costs a lot of money and hard work for a long time

Using Lupin in biofuel:

The source is hereCan still be used against soil erosionNitrogen binding and prepares the soilCarbon keeper Is strong and grows where almost nothing else growsThe plant is beautiful

Can be difficult to control Can destroy local plants

Biomass power plant design in UK

Conclusion• All feasible in Iceland• Great impacts– Pollution buffer– Biodiversity– Using the resources we have

• Exists anyway

• Icelandic law pushing for further solutions– Waste management

• Can go terrible wrong– If not done correct manner

• Choosing the right type, place

Thank you!