Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production
Published on: June 15, 2014
Life cycle assessment of biohydrogen production as a transportation fuel in Germany
Christina Wulf1, Martin Kaltschmitt
1Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Eissendorfer Strasse 40, D-21073 Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The goal of this work was to study the assessment of the life cycle of hydrogen production from biomass for transportation purposes concerning greenhouse gas emissions, emissions with an acidification potential and the fossil energy demand. As feedstocks woody biomass from forestry or short rotation coppice, herbaceous biomass (i.e., straw), energy crops (mainly maize and grain), bio-waste and organic by-products (e.g., glycerol) were considered and their potential in Germany assessed. The results showed that hydrogen produced from woody biomass emitted the least emissions due to the low emissions caused by the provision of the biomass. Regarding the cumulative fossil energy demand biomass from short rotation coppice showed the lowest values. The highest biomass potential for hydrogen production could be identified for woody biomass from forests as well as from short rotation coppice.
Related Concept Videos
Biofuels
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Batteries and Fuel Cells
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Green Algae

