Discussion (Biogenics)

Discussion

In keeping with the college’s goal of finding a cost effective method of drastically decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions we present our cumulative findings in two tables. Table 12, seen below, summarizes the change in GHG emissions compared to our current method in which we use natural gas as our main fuel source and fuel oil No. 2 as a back-up. As seen in the table, both biomass gasification and renewable fuel oil offer astounding reductions in emissions. Even with a conservative estimate of an 81% reduction in emissions compared to our baseline, RFO is clearly a more environmentally friendly choice. In very preliminary calculations, we estimate that using RFO would decrease the college’s total GHG emissions by 35%.

Table 12. GHG Emissions by Alternative (Source: As Created By Authors)

While greenhouse gas emission reduction is the primary concern of the Climate Action Plan, the college’s Board of Trustees is also concerned with the cost of projects working to reduce emissions. Thanks to Ensyn’s commitment to offering a RFO price that is 10-20% more competitive than natural gas, renewable fuel oil is also very economically viable. Table 13, seen below, summarizes the net present value of the total cost of each alternative, including the cost of the fuel and delivery, any infrastructure costs, and the social cost of carbon associated with the greenhouse gas emissions from fuel use.

Table 13. Net Present Value of Total Cost by Alternative (Source: As Shown by Authors)

When an aggressive reduction in emissions is assumed, RFO is a less expensive alternative than both natural gas and biomass gasification because the associated social cost of carbon emissions is very low. When a more conservative estimate of RFO emissions is assumed, this alternative is still less expensive. Biomass gasification is drastically more expensive than the other alternatives because of the high cost associated with building an entirely new biomass gasification plant. This high infrastructure cost, coupled with the requirement of very, very frequent deliveries of wood chips, makes biomass gasification a much less attractive alternative. However, regardless of if a conservative or aggressive estimate of GHG emission reduction is assumed for renewable fuel oil, this alternative is very promising for the college. Ensyn’s RFO is a great value for money; although the project will require a high upfront cost to update vital infrastructure, the change to using RFO on campus will be a huge step in reaching carbon neutrality.

To read our conclusion, click here: Conclusion (Biogenics)