Sustainability dilemma of hemp utilization for energy production

Abstract

With global energy demand rising and climate change targets becoming more ambitious, the use of biomass for combustion will become even more important than it already is. As wood supplies become scarce, leading to increased demand for materials and energy, the demand for alternative solid biofuels for energy use is growing. Using various biobased raw materials seem to be the best way to optimize the value chain of solid biomass fuels. Biomass has high energy density, homogeneous physical properties, easy handling and efficient transportation. Combining multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and life cycle analysis (LCA), this article evaluates the utilization of hemp for a number of uses, including energy generation. The methodology developed combines agrotechnological and sustainability criteria with data analytic techniques for more effective application of hemp products in changing environmental, economic, and geopolitical contexts. According to the results of the research conducted, the use of hemp as an energy source is a viable option only in the short term.

Keywords

• Hemp biomass
• Solid biofuel
• LCA
• MCDA
• Sustainability assessment