A life cycle assessment of rapeseed oil produced in romania as fuel for diesel engines

Abstract

In this paper is analysed the environmental performance of rapeseed oil (RO) from winter rape as fuels produced in Romania. The methodology used is life cycle assessment (LCA) and takes into consideration the influence of grain production and agroclimatic conditions. This study shows favourable results for RO when compared to diesel fuel, in the following impact categories: Abiotic depletion potential (ADP), Ozone layer depletion (ODP) and Photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP). Furthermore, the environmental performance of the biofuel can be improved by changing the type of fertilizer used.