Where to produce rapeseed biodiesel and why? Mapping European rapeseed energy efficiency

Abstract

a b s t r a c tRapeseed is widely used to produce biodiesel, especially in Europe. In several studies, it has been shown that there is a good potential for growing this crop across the continent. However there is still little awareness that the energy efficiency of biofuel production from rapeseed is very low. Energy efficiency can be expressed in terms of Energy Return for Energy Invested (EROEI). We mapped EROEI values for all EU countries plus Switzerland based on expected yields derived from rapeseed suitability maps. We find that EU countries produce rapeseed biofuel with EROEI values of 2.2 and lower. We suggest that plans for biofuel cropping have to be supplemented by maps of EROEI. It is not only relevant to show where rapeseed can be grown, but we should also look at where its use for bioenergy can be efficient. In the area theoretically suitable for growing rainfed rapeseed (excluding unsuitable areas and water), 37.6% of the area can produce rape methyl ester (RME) biofuel only with an energy loss. We conclude that the energy efficiency of rapeseed biodiesel is low and spatially heterogeneous, and unless there are major technological improvements in the production process, replacing fossil fuels by biofuels from rapeseed is hardly a feasible option.

Construction particleboards made from rapeseed straw glued with hybrid pMDI/PF resin

“…Initially, it was assumed that until 2020 the share of biofuels in the EU road transport would reach 10% (directive 2003/30/EC). Even though in 2015 the predicted share was decreased to 7%, in Europe rapeseed is still the basic biocomponent in the production of biofuels (Van Duren et al 2015). According to FAOSTAT reports, in 2014 China, Canada and India were the largest producers of rapeseed in the world.…”

Effects of Oxygen Content of Fuels on Combustion and Emissions of Diesel Engines

“…Therefore, in current practice, methyl ester is commonly made by combining the vegetable oil with methanol and blended with normal petroleum fuels. In Europe, RME (Rapeseed Methyl Ester) is already commercially available for use in vehicles [6]. Currently, most engine manufacturers accept up to 5% RME additive in normal fossil fuel, without need of basic modification to the engine design.…”

Estimating the potential of roadside vegetation for bioenergy production

“…Cogeneration of heat and electricity can almost triple the energy output and should be certainly recommended as the most efficient process. (Twence, 2009). Natural drying in the field Chipping location at field Moisture content by weight at harvest ¼ 50%; after drying ¼ 25% Conversion process Biomass power plant at Twence: combustion of biomass to generate electricity, or combined heat and electricity production.…”

“…However, low energy efficiency of energy crops (Firrisa et al, 2013;van Duren et al, 2015) and lack of free arable land are major limitations for the cultivation of these crops in Europe, especially in the more densely populated and developed countries like the Netherlands. In general, for reasons of food security, it is preferable to leave agricultural land available for food production and find other sources of biomass for bioenergy production (Londo, 2002;Faaij et al, 1998).…”

“…Huang's study (1987), furthermore confirmed that planting of shrubs in the median and road verge could stop errant vehicles in case of accident and absorb the impact, without doing much damage to the car. Also, the shrub barrier could reduce traffic noise and headlight glare (van der Heijden and Martens, 1982), contributing to sound environment and road safety. As with other biomass for bioenergy production, utilizing roadside biomass will provide for carbon sequestration, will encourage technological development and innovation, and offer opportunities for employment and regional development (Vollebergh, 1997;Volk et al, 2004).…”