Potential environmental impact of biodiesel production from palm oil using LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia produced 1 504 million BOE (Barrel of Oil Equivalent) of primary energy in 2018, consisting of the petroleum, natural gas, coal, and renewable energy. The reliance on fuel oil, particularly in the transportation industry, remains strong. The international commitment to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions compels the Indonesian government to promote new and renewable energy. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique has become increasingly popular for assessing the environmental effect, energy consumption, and GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions associated with biofuel production. Numerous phases must be addressed when determining the life cycle impact of biodiesel, including land-use change, plantation, milling, refining, and fuel conversion. Numerous research has been conducted on the life cycle of palm oil production. However, most of them continue to be concerned with GHG emissions and energy needs. As a result, this paper will give a life cycle assessment of biodiesel production in Indonesia from the plantation phase through the production phase using larger effect categories. According to the analysis, the primary contributors to the environmental impact of biodiesel production are fertilizer consumption during the plantation stage and the transesterification process at the biodiesel plant.