Quantification of Impacts and Benefits Associated with a Novel, Native Palm-based Biofuel Supply Chain in Brazil: a Comprehensive LCA Approach

Acelen Renewables (2024 - 2030)

Role(s): Lead PI, Grant Writer, LCA Modeling

Project Brief:

Acelen Renewables has developed a new approach to palm-oil based biofuel production intended to alleviate the severe environmental impacts associated with this industry. This system will make use of a native palm species planted only on degraded pasture land in Brazil. These plantations will be developed as a patchwork of smallholder farms and 20% reforestation with natural vegetation, with local oil pressing and biomass co-product utilization.

The novel design of this proposed system in the palm oil industry space has the potential to produce significant benefits to biodiversity, social sustainability, and soil carbon storage while producing a sustainable biofuel product conforming to stringent Low Carbon Fuel Standard LCFS requirements for California and other international markets.

This project will produce comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and indirect land use change (ILUC) models to quantify impacts and verify any environmental and social benefits realized in this plantation system, including biodiversity sampling and monitoring, social sustainability and environmental justice assessment, and soil carbon prediction under a biogeochemical modeling approach. These modeling efforts are integrated with land use system development to support sustainability efforts from Acelen as well as acceptance of biofuel products under LCFS requirements.