Journal article
Framework for improved confidence in modeled nitrous oxide estimates for biofuel regulatory standards
Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change, v 23(8), pp 1281-1301
01 Dec 2018
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Biofuels vary greatly in their carbon intensity, depending on the specifics of how they are produced. Policy frameworks are needed to ensure that biofuels actually achieve intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Current approaches do not account for important variables during cultivation that influence emissions. Estimating emissions based on biogeochemical models would allow accounting of farm-specific conditions, which in turn provides an incentive for producers to adopt low emissions practices. However, there are substantial uncertainties in the application of biogeochemical models. This paper proposes a policy framework that manages this uncertainty while retaining the ability of the models to account for (and hence incentivize) low emissions practices. The proposed framework is demonstrated on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the cultivation of winter barley. The framework aggregates uncertainties over time, which (1) avoids penalizing producers for uncertainty in weather, (2) allows for a high degree of confidence in the emissions reductions achieved, and (3) attenuates the uncertainty penalties borne by producers within a timescale of several years. Results indicate that with effective management, N2O emissions from feedstock cultivation may be <5% of the carbon intensity of gasoline, whereas the existing policy approach estimates emissions >20% of the carbon intensity of gasoline. If these emissions reductions are monetized, the framework can provide up to $0.002 per liter credits (0.8 cents per gallon) to fuel producers, which could incentivize emissions mitigation practices by biofuel feedstock suppliers, such as avoiding fall N application on silty clay loam soils. The conservatism in the current approach fails to incentivize the adoption of biofuels, while the lack of specificity fails to incentivize site-level mitigation practices. Improved uncertainty accounting and consideration of farm-level practices will incentivize mitigation efforts at landscape to global scales.
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Details
- Title
- Framework for improved confidence in modeled nitrous oxide estimates for biofuel regulatory standards
- Creators
- Shuang Gao - Drexel UniversityPatrick L. Gurian - Drexel UniversityPaul R. Adler - United States Department of AgricultureSabrina Spatari - Drexel UniversityRam Gurung - Colorado State UniversitySaurajyoti Kar - Drexel UniversityStephen M. Ogle - Colorado State UniversityWilliam J. Parton - Colorado State UniversityStephen J. Del Grosso - Agricultural Research Service
- Publication Details
- Mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change, v 23(8), pp 1281-1301
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 21
- Grant note
- 2012-10008-20263 / U.S. Department of Agriculture under USDA-NIFA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000449519600005
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85042126944
- Other Identifier
- 991019167756804721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences