This book deals with the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to sustainable energy systems and technologies. It reviews the state-of-the-art of the Italian experiences on the LCA applied to energy, and the most recent results from research in this field, with a particular focus on renewables, bio-energy and sustainable solutions. The contributors describe in detail the applications of LCA to various energy system topics, including: • electricity production, smart energy grids and energy storage systems; • renewable energy production from biomass; • production of biodiesel from microalgae; • environmental impacts of biomass power plants; and • geothermal energy production. These topics are supported by critical reviews and case studies, with discussions of Italian examples, demonstrating LCA’s application to various energy systems. A particular focus is placed on bio-energies and bio-energy systems, demonstrating how LCA can be used for optimal bio-energy production. This book offers an opportunity for researchers and advanced practitioners in the field of LCA to learn more about the application of LCA methodology to energy systems and technologies. It will also be of interest to students, as it enables them to understand the environmental impacts of energy systems and sustainable energy technologies, through the analysis of their life cycles. From the Back Cover This book deals with the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to sustainable energy systems and technologies. It reviews the state-of-the-art of the Italian experiences on the LCA applied to energy, and the most recent results from research in this field, with a particular focus on renewables, bio-energy and sustainable solutions. The contributors describe in detail the applications of LCA to various energy system topics, including: • electricity production, smart energy grids and energy storage systems; • renewable energy production from biomass; • production of biodiesel from microalgae; • environmental impacts of biomass power plants; and • geothermal energy production. These topics are supported by critical reviews and case studies, with discussions of Italian examples, demonstrating LCA’s application to various energy systems. A particular focus is placed on bio-energies and bio-energy systems, demonstrating how LCA can be used for optimal bio-energy production. This book offers an opportunity for researchers and advanced practitioners in the field of LCA to learn more about the application of LCA methodology to energy systems and technologies. It will also be of interest to students, as it enables them to understand the environmental impacts of energy systems and sustainable energy technologies, through the analysis of their life cycles. About the Author RICCARDO BASOSI Senior Full Professor of Physical Chemistry & Lecturer of Sustainable & Efficient Energy at Dept. of Excellence Biotechnology, Chemistry & Pharmacy, Univ. of Siena, Italy; ViceRector for Energy, Director of PhD Course in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Since 2013 Italian Representative in Energy Committee of HORIZON 2020. MIUR Delegate for the SET Plan and in the Mission Innovation Inter-Ministry Task Force. Scientific Advisor of Italian Presidency of Minister Council (2007-08). Advisor for Energy of MIUR Ministry at G7 Berlin (October 2015) , Kyoto, (April 2016) and Torino, (Sept.2017). Member of Technical Table of Presidency of Minister Council on "De-carbonization of Italian Economy". Appointed by MISE as National Expert for IEA/EGRD. Since October 2017 Member of ENEA National CTS. In the 80s Visiting Prof of Molecular Biophysics at the Nat. Biom. ESR Center Milwaukee,WIS, USA. National coordin
