REVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS

CRC Project No. E-88

Leaders:    C. H. Schleyer
                  J. P. Uihlein

Scope and Objective

There is increasing interest in energy use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from use of transportation fuels. A life-cycle analysis (LCA) or well-to-wheels analysis is required to get a comprehensive estimate of energy use and GHG emissions from use of various transportation fuels. This analysis consists of a well-to-tank (WTT) portion which covers the steps required to deliver the finished fuel to the vehicle and the tank-to-wheels (TTW) portion which covers vehicle use of the fuel.

A number of models have been developed to aid in conducting transportation fuel LCA analyses including GREET, LEM, and GHGenius. The TTW portion of transportation also uses separate models to evaluate fuel and powertrain effects on vehicle fuel consumption and GHG emissions.  U.S. examples are ADVISOR and PSAT developed by NREL and Argonne. Output from these models may be used to provide factors or input to GREET and other models.

This project’s objective is to conduct a broad review of the methodology, analytical tools and models used in transportation fuel LCA with a particular focus on biofuels. The project should identify gaps and provide recommendations for improvement in methodology, data, analysis tools and models. 

Current Status and Future

A competitive selection process is underway, with the intent of an award in late 2008, and a project conclusion in 2009.

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