A spatial modeling framework to evaluate domestic biofuel-induced potential land use changed and emissions

Joshua Elliot; Bhavna Sharma; Neil Best; Michael Glotter; Jennifer B. Dunn; Ian Foster; Fernando Miguez; Steffen Mueller; Michael Wang

doi:10.1021/es404546r

USGS · 70156362

A spatial modeling framework to evaluate domestic biofuel-induced potential land use changed and emissions

Joshua Elliot·Bhavna Sharma·Neil Best·Michael Glotter·Jennifer B. Dunn·Ian Foster·Fernando Miguez·Steffen Mueller·Michael Wang

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Abstract

We present a novel bottom-up approach to estimate biofuel-induced land-use change (LUC) and resulting CO 2 emissions in the U.S. from 2010 to 2022, based on a consistent methodology across four essential components: land availability, land suitability, LUC decision-making, and induced CO 2 emissions. Using high-resolution geospatial data and modeling, we construct probabilistic assessments of county-, state-, and national-level LUC and emissions for macroeconomic scenarios. We use the Cropland Data Layer and the Protected Areas Database to characterize availability of land for biofuel crop cultivation, and the CERES-Maize and BioCro biophysical crop growth models to estimate the suitability (yield potential) of available lands for biofuel crops. For LUC decisionmaking, we use a county-level stochastic partial-equilibrium modeling framework and consider five scenarios involving annual ethanol production scaling to 15, 22, and 29 BG, respectively, in 2022, with corn providing feedstock for the first 15 BG and the remainder coming from one of two dedicated energy crops. Finally, we derive high-resolution above-ground carbon factors from the National Biomass and Carbon Data set to estimate emissions from each LUC pathway. Based on these inputs, we obtain estimates for average total LUC emissions of 6.1, 2.2, 1.0, 2.2, and 2.4 gCO2e/MJ for Corn-15 Billion gallons (BG), Miscanthus × giganteus (MxG)-7 BG, Switchgrass (SG)-7 BG, MxG-14 BG, and SG-14 BG scenarios, respectively.

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Environmental Science & Technology Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 17.94655° to 71.35776° latitude; -171.79111° to -65.591° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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BibTeX RIS

Joshua Elliot, Bhavna Sharma, Neil Best, Michael Glotter, Jennifer B. Dunn, Ian Foster, Fernando Miguez, Steffen Mueller, Michael Wang. 2014-01-23. A spatial modeling framework to evaluate domestic biofuel-induced potential land use changed and emissions. https://doi.org/10.1021/es404546r

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