ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the idea of life cycle assessment, the methodology of bioenergy assessment and its application to the topic of biochar. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are well known. The life cycle assessment (LCA) is developed for the North Sea region, accounting for technology, biomass potential, offsetting of energy, transport and other regionally-specific aspects. Methodological problems are sometimes more confusing than the lack of reliable data. Most of the biomass feedstock considered for biochar production has a low calorific value due to their high water content. The pyrolysis unit needs some starting energy to heat up the process chamber to the desired process temperature. The provision of thermal energy differs in each country due to the transport system, availability and the technology used. Therefore, as long the electricity or thermal energy is still based on coal firing, the use of carbonised biomass can have a regional impact.
