formation of a life cycle inventory (lci) database for
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Formation of a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
Database for Crude Palm Oil Production
and Palm Oil Based Biodiesel Refining in
Malaysia
Background & objectives
It is the biggest and fastest growing vegetable oil in the world, and yet the environmental
impacts of palm oil production have mainly been quantified through desk studies and
generic data. In the palm oil industry, the general understanding and application of life
cycle assessment (LCA) are still in their infancy and applied academic studies are needed
to guide the way. The project focuses on establishing a life cycle inventory of palm oil
biodiesel with special focus on the largest knowledge gaps, namely residue use and land
use change along with potential environmental footprint improvement options such as
biochar and management strategies.
Main activities
• Data collection from the palm oil industry including oil palm plantations and palm oil mills
in Malaysia
• Lab-scale experimental determination of biogas potentials from solid residues
• Soil sampling and experimental determination of soil carbon degradation from land use
change
• GaBi inventory modelling.
Expected outcome
Presentation of the current life cycle emissions from the production of palm oil and palm oil
biodiesel with conceptual suggestions to improvement of the production system increases
sustainability and the potential environmental benefits of these improvements.
New value in relation to existing knowledge
As opposed to previous general and overall LCAs on palm oil, the application of life cycle
inventory (LCI) as an environmental development tool on targeted steps in the production
process is highlighting the way forward for the palm oil industry to achieve improved
sustainability.
Sune Balle Hansen, Quantitative Sustainability Assessment
Contact:
Sune Balle Hansen, PhD student
Produktionstorvet, building 426
DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
www.man.dtu.dk
Supervisor/co-supervisor:
Stig Irving Olsen, DTU Management
Engineering
Arne Wangel, DTU Management
Engineering
Funded by:
Shell Global Solutions
DTU Management Engineering
Start and completion date:
1 September 2009 to 15 September 2012
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