Carbon Footprint Assessment with LCA Methodology
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biomass. When discussing the production cost of these fuels, one must consider the
processing methods for both the fuels (Coke and biomass) where the former requires
high-temperature coke oven batteries, the desired quality coal through coal beneficiation, storage, and transportation, and the latter requires a huge collection, storage,
preparation, and transportation unit. Biomass does not require a high-temperature
setup, which reduces the cost significantly.
The present assessment recommends the use of biomass over coke. The results
are based on the environmental impact point of view. Albeit the energy limitations
must be addressed well because biomass does possess lower energy values, which
are questionable in terms of substitution potential.
8.3 Carbon Footprint Assessment for Aluminum Production
[50]
Background: Next in line is the carbon footprint assessment for the aluminum
production process. Alumina production is the next major contributing source of
GHGs after the iron and steel sector. Alumina production potential is reaching
sky high as the demands are increasing. As per the statistics, the global annual
production of aluminum has reached 51 million tonnes in 2014 to 64 million tonnes
in 2017, which will reach threefold by 2050. Russia, India, Canada, UAE, and
Australia are the top 5 aluminum producers worldwide. One may understand the
growing demand with the presented statistics which looks satisfactory with the point
of view of infrastructure development and growth, but this will likewise have a
negative impact on the environment due to the increased carbon footprint which is
contributed from various subbing aluminum refining processes. Aluminum production discharges carbon emissions ranging between 7.2 and 44.5 kg (CO 2 equivalent
per kg aluminum). Another aspect that is not generally introduced in previous studies
is the red mud generation that is a huge environmental concern. Red mud is the waste
product after leaching (hydrometallurgical processing), consisting of alumina, silica,
iron, and titanium oxides. Presently, this red mud is a heated area on which studies
are focused to separate the constituents of red mud for resource utilization and also
to utilize these wastes. This red mud is not addressed in the previous peer reviews,
which is an anticipated attribute.
Let us have a look at the attributes that are contributing to these values. A similar
LCA approach will be followed as before.
Objective: Carbon footprint assessment for aluminum production
Goal and Scope: The goal of the study is to assess the carbon footprint produced
during aluminum production. The study manifested various subbing processes to
understand the individual contribution. The assessment starts from the ore mining to
the final aluminum cast products to ensure a profoundness.
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