An integrated method to assess the environmental sustainability of gasification catalytic conversion process for the bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse based on a life cycle perspective: a case of study for Mexico.

Authors
Zurita-García, Lizbeth; Santoyo-Castelazo, Edgar; Camacho-Luengas, Dumar Andres

Abstract
According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to 2030, significant efforts would be required to increase the production of more affordable and clean energies to achieve net-zero emissions in energy systems (SDG7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG9), responsible consumption and production (SDG12) and climate action (SDG13) to limit global temperature increase below 2°C. Worldwide, transportation represents the second most pollutant sector with ~25% of total CO2 emissions, therefore its decarbonization will be one of the most challenging targets. Bioenergy is potentially considered a viable alternative to diversify the energy mix supply and second-generation biofuels will potentially play a more significant role in the transport sector. Currently, bioenergy contributes 2% of the global energy production and it is expected to reach 20% by 2050. In Mexico, represents 5% of total primary energy production. This research work considers a novel methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse based on a cradle-to-gate perspective and a multi-disciplinary approach. The integrated methodology includes four main stages: i) literature review, ii) data collection, iii) a process simulation of the chemical conversion using specialized software (Aspen Plus software), iv) a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) following the ISO 14040-44 framework (using SimaPro software), and v) the interpretation and validation of results. As far as we know, this is the first study of this type applied to Mexico.