Rice Husk Based Bioelectricity vs. Coal-fired Electricity: Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Case Study in Vietnam

Bio-based electricity is known for its advantage on reducing negative environmental impact compared to conventional counterparts. However, the question is whether bio-based electricity is socially and economically sustainable. The paper assessed the sustainability of the rice husk based bioelectricity in Vietnam over its life cycle and compared it with that of coal-fired electricity. It is identified that rice husk based bioelectricity is better in some aspects, but worse in other aspect compared to coal-fired electricity. However, if the negative aspect is compensated by the positive ones, the rice husk based bioelectricity in this case study is more sustainable than coal-fired counterpart.