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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Environmental life-cycle analysis of hydrogen technology pathways in the United States

Hydrogen is a zero-carbon energy carrier with potential to decarbonize industrial and transportation sectors, but its life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions depend on its energy supply chain and carbon management measures (e.g., carbon capture and storage). Global support for clean hydrogen production and use has recently intensified. In the United States, Congress passed several laws that incentivize the production and use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, which provides tax credits of up to $3/kg depending on the carbon intensity of the produced hydrogen. A comprehensive life-cycle accounting of GHG emissions associated with hydrogen production is needed to determine the carbon intensity of hydrogen throughout its value chain. In the United States, Argonne’s R&D GREET ® (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) model has been widely used for hydrogen carbon intensity calculations. This paper describes the major hydrogen technology pathways considered in the United States and provides data sources and carbon intensity results for each of the hydrogen production and delivery pathways using consistent system boundaries and most recent technology performance and supply chain data.

Elgowainy, Amgad↗
DOE OSTI2024

REDOTHERM (Redox Countercurrent Thermodynamic Limits Model) [SWR-24-88]

REDOTHERM is an open-source, MATLAB-based thermodynamic modeling framework developed to evaluate the performance of redox-active materials for water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) splitting. It includes models of all major unit operations and supports comparative analysis of different redox-active material candidates. The model is tailored for systems of moving oxide under a parallel/cocurrent flow (PF) and countercurrent flow (CF) configurations. Unvalidated mixed flow reactor (MFR, also known as CSTR) model is also included as an optional addition.

Lidor, Alon [National Renewable Energy Laboratory ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Carbon‐negative hydrogen from ethanol via catalytic oxidative reforming

Abstract This study evaluated a commercial technology for producing low‐ or negative‐carbon hydrogen through ethanol catalytic oxidative reforming, focusing on the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon intensity (CI). Various scenarios were analyzed: (a) comparing corn ethanol (first‐generation or Gen1 ethanol) and cellulosic ethanol (second‐generation or Gen2 ethanol) as feedstocks; (b) assessing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) for CO 2 from upstream fermentation; and (c) evaluating oxygen sourcing via air separation units vs. on‐site or off‐site water electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane. Findings indicate that the CI for hydrogen production using Gen2 ethanol from corn stover is lower than that of Gen1 corn ethanol. Additionally, using proton exchange membrane‐generated oxygen results in a lower CI than air separation unit‐generated oxygen, regardless of the sourcing method. Implementing CCS for the hydrogen production plant's evolved CO 2 is essential for achieving a net‐negative CI for hydrogen from Gen1 ethanol. All examined scenarios, including both ethanol generations, oxygen sources, and CCS applications, demonstrated a net‐negative carbon intensity, surpassing the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions threshold of 0.45 kg CO 2 e/kg to enable policy credits as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act §45V. In comparison, the CI for hydrogen from steam methane reforming stands at 3.4 kg CO 2 e/kg with CCS and 9.4 kg CO 2 e/kg without CCS.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evaluating long-term emission impacts of large-scale electric vehicle deployment in the US using a human-Earth systems model

While large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) globally would reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and traditional air pollutant emissions from the transportation sector, emissions from the electric sector, refineries, and potentially other sources would change in response. Here, a multi-sector human-Earth systems model is used to evaluate the net long-term emission implications of large-scale EV adoption in the US over widely differing pathways of the evolution of the electric sector. Our results indicate that high EV adoption would decrease net CO 2 emissions through 2050, even for a scenario where all electric sector capacity additions through 2050 are fossil fuel technologies. Greater net CO 2 reductions would be realized for scenarios that emphasize renewables or decarbonization of electricity production. Net air pollutant emission changes in 2050 are relatively small compared to expected overall decreases from recent levels to 2050. States participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative experience greater CO 2 and air pollutant reductions on a percentage basis. These results suggest that coordinated, multi-sector planning can greatly enhance the climate and environmental benefits of EVs. Additional factors are identified that influence the net emission impacts of EVs, including the retirement of coal capacity, refinery operations under reduced gasoline demands, and price-induced fuel switching in residential heating and in the industrial sector.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Life Cycle Analysis of Electrofuels: Fischer–Tropsch Fuel Production from Hydrogen and Corn Ethanol Byproduct CO 2

Electrofuels from renewable H 2 and waste CO 2 streams are of increasing interest because of their CO 2 emissions reduction potentials compared to fossil counterparts. This study evaluated the well-to-wheel (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels from various electrolytic H 2 pathways and CO 2 sources, using various process designs (i.e., with and without H 2 recycle) and system boundaries. Two systems with different boundaries were considered: a stand-alone plant (with CO 2 from any source) and an integrated plant with corn ethanol production (supplying CO 2 ). The FT fuel synthesis process was modeled using Aspen Plus, which showed that 45% of the carbon in CO 2 can be fixed in the FT fuel, with a fuel production energy efficiency of 58%. Using nuclear or solar/wind electricity, the stand-alone FT fuel production from various plant designs can reduce WTW GHG emissions by 90-108%, relative to petroleum fuels. When integrating the FT fuel production process with corn ethanol production, the WTW GHG emissions of FT fuels are 57-65% lower compared to petroleum counterparts. This study highlights the sensitivity of the carbon intensity of FT fuels to the system boundary selection (i.e., stand-alone vs integrated), which has different implications under various GHG emission credit frameworks.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enabling residential heating decarbonization through hydronic low-temperature thermal distribution using forced-air assistive devices

Space heating represents approximately one-tenth of the United States’ energy use and has a breadth of potential for emission reduction. An element of space heating, hydronic heat distribution methods, use water supply temperatures up to 82.2 °C (180 °F). However, this operating temperature can be incompatible with high-efficiency heat generation systems, which typically provide heating temperatures of up to 60 °C (140 °F). In this work, a low-cost retrofit solution is developed using experimentally validated computational tools by incorporating an airflow distributor that preferentially directs the airflow from a fan to enhance heat transfer over the finned-tube heat exchanger found in conventional baseboards. The same heat output of traditional baseboard heat distribution systems operating at higher water supply temperatures (71.1 – 82.2 °C) can also be achieved at lower temperatures (≤60 °C). Specifically, results indicate that the technology can produce more than a 46.7% improvement in the heat transfer output at temperatures as low as 60 °C (140 °F), effectively matching the same output range achieved by 71.1 – 82.2 °C (160–180 °F) water supply temperatures. An important benefit of this solution is that it utilizes the existing infrastructure as opposed to requiring the replacement of the entire distribution system. Additionally, this technology enables existing building infrastructure to be coupled with newer, high-efficiency heating systems such as condensing boilers, solar-thermal systems, and geothermal/air-to-water heat pumps that may produce lower water supply temperatures (60 °C). A geospatially resolved techno-economic and environmental analysis is completed and presented to further understand the equivalent carbon footprint of enabling higher efficiency heat generation systems with the improved efficiency heat distribution system disclosed. Using 2021 grid-average emission factors, an emission reduction of up to a 67.5% decrease (2658 kgCO 2 /yr) for a single-family home, depending on state and climate region, could be realized by replacing a traditional natural gas-fired boiler with an air-to-water heat pump coupled to the same high-temperature heat distribution system along with the low-cost retrofit solution. A complete CO 2 emission reduction of 6688 kgCO 2 /yr, depending on state and climate region, could be realized if all electricity is further renewably sourced. Thus, this study provides a possible pathway towards enabling the reduction of operational emissions in space heating.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analyzing Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions from Plug-In Electric Vehicles: Report for CRC Project, "Carbon Return on Investment for Electrified Vehicles"

Investment in battery and electrification technologies has the potential to greatly reduce vehicular greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) will have zero tailpipe emissions. However, there will be GHG emissions associated with production of the vehicle including its battery, and with any carbon-emitting electricity sources used to charge the vehicle. This study explores the GHG reduction benefits of different plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) designs in the context of factors such as electricity production mix, per-vehicle battery requirements, and varying battery market growth scenarios. The analyses focus on the U.S. light-duty vehicle (LDV) market, which accounts for nearly 60% of U.S. transportation sector GHG emissions - over twice as much as the next largest contributing transportation sub-sector.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Chalkboard 2 - How to Make Clean Hydrogen

Clean hydrogen is a carbon-free energy carrier that can be produced from water and sustainable energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear. Therefore, clean hydrogen is one of the best ways to not only decarbonize the energy supply system, but also address the zero-emission challenges specific to large-carbon emitting industries that are difficult to separate from fossil fuels. To help achieve the Biden Administration's goal of a 100% clean energy economy and net-zero emissions by 2050, several tens of millions of metric tons of clean, low-cost hydrogen will be needed annually. The HydroGEN Advanced Water Splitting Materials (AWSM) Consortium was established in 2016 as part of the Energy Materials Network (EMN) under the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to enhance the performance, improve the durability, and reduce the cost of clean hydrogen production technologies, and it is helping to advance the H2@Scale vision.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Towards Immobilized Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Agents for Electrochemical Carbon Capture from Air and Seawater

Electrochemical CO 2 separation has drawn attention as a promising strategy for using renewable energy to mitigate climate change. Redox-active compounds that undergo proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) are an impetus for pH-swing-driven CO 2 capture at low energetic costs. However, multiple barriers hinder this technology from maturing, including sensitivity to oxygen and the slow kinetics of CO 2 capture. Here, we use vapor phase chemistry to construct a textile electrode comprising an immobilized PCET agent, poly(1-aminoanthraquinone) (PAAQ), and incorporate it into redox flow cells. This design contrasts with others that use dissolved PCET agents by confining proton-storage to the surface of an electrode kept separate from an aqueous, CO 2 -capturing phase. This system facilitates carbon capture from gaseous sources (a 1% CO 2 feed and air), as well as seawater, with the latter at an energetic cost of 202 kJ/mol CO2 , and we find that quinone moieties embedded within the electrode are more stable to oxygen than dissolved counterparts. Simulations using a 1D reaction-transport model show that moderate energetic costs should be possible for air capture of CO 2 with higher loadings of polymer-bound PCET moieties. The remarkable stability of this system sets the stage for producing textile-based electrodes that facilitate pH-swing-driven carbon capture in practical situations.

Ali, Fawaz↗
DOE OSTI2024

Influence of Linker Group on Bipolar Redox-Active Molecule Performance in Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are an attractive choice for stationary energy storage of renewables such as solar and wind. Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) have garnered broad interest due to their high voltage operation compared to their aqueous counterparts. Further, the utilization of bipolar redox-active molecules (BRMs) is a practical way to alleviate crossover faced by asymmetric RFBs. In this work, ferrocene (Fc) and phthalimide (PI) are covalently linked with various tethering groups which vary in structure and length. The compiled results suggest that the length and steric shielding ability of the linker group can greatly influence the stability and overall performance of Fc-n-PI BRM-based NARFBs. Primary sources of capacity loss are found to be BRM degradation for straight chain spacers <6 carbons and membrane (Nafion) fouling. Fc-hexyl-PI provided the most stable battery cycling and coulombic efficiencies of >98 % over 100 cycles (~13 days). NARFB using Fc-hexyl-PI as an active material exhibited high working voltage (1.93 V) and maximum capacity (1.28 Ah L -1 ). Additionally, this work highlights rational strategies to improve cycling stability and optimize NARFB performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Liquid Alkaline Water Electrolyzers: Comparing Performance across Design, Operation, and End-of-Life Scenarios

Liquid alkaline water electrolysis (LAWE) is a demonstrated technology for hydrogen production, yet a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of their deployment is lacking. Research leading to improvements to the core component, the electrochemical stack, along with auxiliary system materials and dynamic operation of stacks from variable electricity supply offers new data that allows for detailed modeling and evaluation. Here, we present an LCA of two facility designs based on the current state-of-the-art stack and an advanced stack with zero-gap between electrodes, and capture dynamic electricity use from solar, wind, and hybrid sources and stack recycling strategies. We present life cycle impact factors characterizing the production of 1 kg of hydrogen across 12 environmental, human health, and resource impact categories (TRACI and ReCiPe) in the contiguous United States. As expected, the source of electricity will drive impacts (e.g., 83-94% of carbon intensity); however, we find that operating using wind electricity can lower hydrogen leakage and the overall carbon intensity (1.03 kgCO 2 e/kgH 2 ) relative to solar electricity (2.57 kgCO 2 e/kgH 2 ) at matched 1:1 capacity between LAWE and the electricity source. The deployment of the advanced design and stack recycling lowers impacts across all life cycle stages. We highlight opportunities to further reduce potential impacts, including the balance of plant materials and operation cycles associated with the use of variable wind and solar electricity that result in hydrogen leakage.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design, Synthesis, and Validation: Genome Scale Optimization of Energy Flux through Compartmentalized Metabolic Networks in a Model Photosynthetic Eukaryotic Microbe (Final Report)

Photosynthetic organisms have recently gained considerable attention for a role in development of renewable energy sources. Genome-enabled systems biology methodology and modeling, coupled with high throughput genome engineering strategies, present opportunities to develop sustainable and economical applications such as fuel production within the next 10 to 15 years. However, optimization of light-driven metabolism for biomass or biofuel production will require significant advances in methodological throughput as well as improvements in detailed systems biology understanding of photosynthetic processes and cellular metabolism. The ability of diatoms to thrive in upwelling-induced, periodically nutrient-rich conditions makes them the base for the world’s shortest and most energy-efficient food webs. Diatom photosynthesis is estimated to account for between 25% and 40% of the 45-50 billion tons of organic carbon fixed annually in the sea.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Photoreactive Capture and Conversion of Dilute Carbon Dioxide into Synthetic Natural Gas

This study introduces a photoreactive system that integrates the capture of dilute CO 2 streams with their catalytic conversion to synthetic natural gas (CH 4 ), utilizing a Ru nanoparticle (NP)-doped TiO 2 composite loaded with linear polyethylenimine (L-PEI) and enhanced with plasmonic titanium nitride (TiN). This light-driven approach mitigates challenges that have plagued traditional thermal reactive carbon capture (RCC) methods, such as CO 2 slip and amine degradation. We demonstrate that L-PEI enables stable CO 2 capture and conversion, achieving ~70% conversion of captured CO 2 to CH 4 across multiple reaction cycles using nonflammable forming gas (~5% H 2 ) as the reductant. In contrast, branched PEI (B-PEI)-loaded composites exhibited significant catalyst deactivation after several RCC cycles. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging confirms that significant sintering of the Ru NPs occur in the B-PEI sample under RCC conditions, whereas their size remains stable in more rigid L-PEI composites. Technoeconomic analysis (TEA) estimates that CH 4 production using this system could cost less than $\$$5/kg based on current electrocatalytic H 2 prices. These results represent one of the most promising demonstrations of amine-based RCC employing dilute CO 2 sources to date.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Altering plant carbon allocation to stems has distinct effects on rhizosphere soil microbiome assembly, interactions, and potential functions in sorghum

Abstract Altering plant carbon allocation from leaves to stems is key to improve biomass for forage, fuel, and renewable chemicals. The sorghum dry stalk ( D ) locus controls a quantitative trait for sugar accumulation, with enhanced carbon allocation in the stems of juicy green ( dd ) sorghum but reduced carbon allocation in that of dry white ( DD ) sorghum. However, it remains unclear whether altering sorghum sugar accumulation in stem affects below‐ground microbiome. Here we investigated sorghum rhizosphere soil microbiome in near isogenic lines with different magnitude of carbon allocations and accumulation in the stems. Results showed that enhanced carbon accumulation in stems of juicy green sorghum results in stronger selection in rhizosphere microbiome assembly. The rhizosphere soil microbial communities selected in juicy green sorghum tended to be fast‐growing microbial taxa which possessed potential functions that would promote higher potential capacity to use chemically labile carbon sources and potentially result in higher potential decomposition rates. We found the rhizosphere microbes selected by juicy green sorghum form weaker interactions than dry white sorghum. This is the first comprehensive study revealing how the different magnitude of carbon allocations to stems regulates microbial community assembly, microbial interaction, and microbial functions. This study indicates that future plant modification for bioenergy crops should also consider the impacts on belowground microbial community without compromising the sustainability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Initiating a Roadmap for Solar Fuels R&D: Imagining Beyond Thermochemical Cycles

Sandia National Laboratories in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory outline a framework for developing a solar fuels roadmap based on novel concepts for hybridizing gas-splitting thermochemical cycle s with high-temperature electro chemical steps. We call this concept SoHyTEC, a Solar Hybrid Thermochemical-Electrochemical Cycle. The strategy focuses on transforming purely thermochemical cycles that split water (H 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to produce hydrogen (H 2 ) and carbon monoxide (CO) , respectively, the fundamental chemical building blocks for diverse fuels and chemicals , by substituting thermochemical reactions with high-temperature electrochemical steps. By invoking high-temperature electrochemistry, the energy required to complete the gas-splitting cycle is divided into a thermal component (process temperature) and an electrical component (applied voltage). These components, sourced from solar energy, are independently variable knobs to maximize overall process efficiency. Furthermore, a small applied voltage can reduce cycle process temperature by hundreds of degrees , opening the door to cost-effective solar concentrators and practical receiver/reactor de signs. Using the SoHyTEC concept as a backdrop, we outline a framework that advocates developing methods for automating information gathering, critically evaluating thermochemical cycles for adapting into SoHyTEC, establishing requirements based on thermodynamic analysis, and developing a model-based approach to benchmarking a SoHyTEC system against a baseline concentrating solar thermal integrated electrolysis plant. We feel these framework elements are a necessary precursor to creating a robust and adaptive technology development roadmap for producing solar fuels using SoHyTEC. In one example, we introduce high-temperature electrochemistry as a method to manipulate a fully stoichiometric two-step metal oxide cycle that circumvents costly separation processes and ultra-high cycle temperatures. We also identify and group water-splitting chemistries that are conceptually amenable to hybridization.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Port of New York and New Jersey Drayage Electrification Analysis

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) evaluated the potential for drayage electrification in the Port of New York and New Jersey (PoNYNJ), with a focus on operators: Harbor Freight Transport (HF), Safeway Trucking (SWT), and International Motor Freight Inc (IMF). This report summarizes the data collection and electrification evaluation of all three drayage operators, includes detailed operational data, and identifies the performance requirements for battery electric tractors (BETs) and corresponding infrastructure operated within the context of PoNYNJ drayage operation. This report also details a methodology to evaluate opportunities, strategies, and challenges associated with future expansions of BETs in meeting PANYNJ emissions goals. The Port Authority has established a goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 across all facilities, including from tenant and stakeholder sources such as drayage trucks. NREL used real-world performance data collected on the three PoNYNJ drayage operations, along with modeling and analysis tools to compare BET to diesel trucks. From March to July 2021, NREL collected 1Hz vehicle and engine data from 46 drayage trucks at the three operators totaling nearly 121,000 miles of operation, providing enough information to assess vehicle operations for electrification potential. A Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSim) electric truck powertrain model was validated using PoNYNJ data and scenarios were run to evaluate drayage truck electrification requirements over the real-world cycles. The first scenario examined BET viability with minimal changes to existing operations. This assumes the trucks charge when stopped for two hours or longer, have a functional battery size of 375 kWh, and can charge at 270 kilowatts (kW) average which are the specification of the commercially available Freightliner eCascadia. The second scenario looked at what operational, charging infrastructure, and BET technology changes would be needed to fully electrify. Finally, detailed analysis was run on charging rate structure to understand operational costs to the fleets. The studied drayage trucks averaged 5.1 MPG, spent roughly 9% of their energy at idle, and drove an average of 140 miles per day with a maximum daily distance of 573 miles. The FASTSim model results indicate a comparable BET would use 417 kWh of energy per day on average accounting for cargo weight, which is close to the full usable capacity of the eCascadia currently available on the market. Based on the daily average operating data, partial fleet electrification is possible with current technology. However, some specific days of operation would require over 1,600 kWh of energy due to longer distances traveled by the trucks and more intense operation. Trucks used for long distance and intense operation cannot be readily electrified with current technology without operational changes. Full adoption of BETs could reduce CO 2 emissions from these fleets by roughly 75% today, eliminating 76 metric tons of CO 2 (MTCO 2 ) per vehicle each year, which equates to 24,100 MTCO 2 per year for all three operators. Commercially available direct current fast chargers (DCFC) have charge rates up to 350 kW. Based on the average daily modeled energy use for each operator, current industrial rate structures, and the assumption of 350 kW peak charging, full drayage electrification would increase electricity consumption. In addition, peak demand usage would increase with unmanaged charging along with cost of electricity having a direct impact on cost per mile for electric vehicles. The resulting cost per mile for BETs along with comparable cost per mile for conventional diesel trucks are also examined at $\$$4.00 per gallon of diesel. It will be important for PANYNJ and the drayage operators within the PoNYNJ to consider these load impacts to their existing electrical infrastructure and devise operational strategies that avoid coincident charging of vehicles to mitigate demand charges. Despite these electricity cost increases, savings from reductions in diesel consumption will help offset the costs of this increased electricity consumption. However, prices of both electricity and diesel are subject to change based on various factors meaning the realized savings will vary over time. This shows BETs could be cost-competitive on an energy cost per mile basis for all scenarios while diesel is above $\$$3.00/gal. Further, if diesel prices dropped to the 15-year low of $2.33/gal, it would still be cost competitive to operate the EVs with electricity costs of 16.3 ¢/kWh or less.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Biogas Biocatalysis

Biogas derived from anaerobic digestion of waste streams such as biorefinery wastewater, animal, agricultural, and municipal solid waste, offers a versatile renewable energy source. Total domestic methane potential from landfill material, animal manure, wastewater, and organic waste, combined with biogas generated from AD of lignocellulosic biomass, is estimated to offer >4 quadrillion Btu potential energy. This energy could displace nearly half of current domestic natural gas consumption in the electric power sector and all consumption in the transportation sector. However, despite this promise of this feedstock, its gaseous state prevents facile integration with extant transportation and industrial infrastructure. Microbial conversion of biogas to liquid fuel and chemical intermediates offers valorization potential. However, biogas biocatalysis is currently limited by poor substrate gas-to-liquid mass transfer, low conversion efficiencies, and incomplete biogas utilization. To this end, the Biogas Biocatalysis AOP aims to develop a carbon- and energy-efficient biogas bioconversion process via techno-economic-informed strain and fermentation engineering strategies. Efforts here will improve both process economics and sustainability via process-intensified, carbon-efficient biogas bioconversion to value-added platform molecules, enabling bolt-on deployment for valorization of biogas derived from standalone AD infrastructure.

BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES,BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

What Is the Best Use of Biomass? A Harmonized LCA-TEA Framework Quantifying Economic and Environmental Metrics for Bioenergy Pathways

Bioresource utilization is expected to play a pivotal role in complementing existing energy pathways and enhancing energy resilience. This study develops a harmonized life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) framework to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential, minimum fuel selling price (MFSP), and marginal abatement cost (MAC) of bioenergy pathways. We analyze 19 pathways, including liquid biofuels (via catalytic fast pyrolysis, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, and gasification), bioelectricity, and biomass-to-hydrogen, with and without carbon capture and storage (CCS). The GHG impacts are assessed using the GREET 2022 model, while U.S. Billion-Ton 2016 biomass availability projections are used to estimate scale-up potential. Additionally, we evaluate the influence of a low-carbon electricity grid on pathway performance. Our results show that CCS implementation reduces carbon intensities (CI) to net-negative values for several pathways, with MAC ranging from $\$$32 to $\$$600 per metric ton (MT) CO2e avoided. Bioelectricity pathways with CCS achieve the lowest MAC ($\$$32–$\$$68/tCO2e), while liquid biofuels and hydrogen pathways remain critical for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and heavy industry. Pathways with net-positive electricity demand benefit from a low-carbon grid, whereas those co-producing electricity experience increased MAC under lower electricity grid CI scenarios. This open-source framework provides a robust tool for harmonized evaluation of bioenergy pathways, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to identify cost-effective strategies for biomass utilization and carbon abatement at scale. The findings underscore the importance of CCS, co-product credits, and feedstock availability in optimizing bioenergy deployment for a low-carbon economy.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗