Life Cycle Assessment of Cynara cardunculus L. -Based Polygeneration and Biodiesel Chains

Given the current scenario of increasing environmental problems associated with need for rapid energy transition, this article aimed to investigate implementation Cynara cardunculus L. (cardoon), a plant high performance, as source resources. This study presented thLife Cycle Assessment two production chains—for polygeneration power, heat, and cooling; produce biodiesel—fed cardoon seeds, in addition comparing these chains use traditional Italian grids (power gas) diesel based on palm, soybean, rapeseed. Approximately 49 t seeds were cultivated processed, yielding 8.5 oil. The system boundaries encompass three main macro-phases, production, oil extraction, and, depending application, generation (polygeneration) or transesterification (biodiesel). models developed using software SimaPro V9.3.0.2, inventory was database ecoinvent V3.8. Life Impact performed ReCiPe V1.06 method at midpoint (H) endpoint (H/A) levels. Crude showed global warming 20–55% lower than other vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed). In case biodiesel cardoon-based reduction impact burden by 12–57% compared With Polygeneration, subtle increase observed, 13% more power gas grids.