Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Carbon-Intensity and Carbon-Efficiency of Charcoal Production, by Pathway

Version 1 : Received: 30 May 2023 / Approved: 30 May 2023 / Online: 30 May 2023 (14:01:22 CEST)

How to cite: Johnson, E.P. Carbon-Intensity and Carbon-Efficiency of Charcoal Production, by Pathway. Preprints 2023, 2023052158. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.2158.v1 Johnson, E.P. Carbon-Intensity and Carbon-Efficiency of Charcoal Production, by Pathway. Preprints 2023, 2023052158. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.2158.v1

Abstract

There are four commercial pathways to make grill charcoal from wood. These have been modelled to calculate a carbon intensity (CI) for each. Results are presented along with discussion of the sensitivities: biogenic carbon; quality of the charcoal; classification of products, wastes and residues; and division of burden. Grill charcoal’s CI ranges greatly, depending on the pathway by which it is produced. Wood distillation, a commercial process that once was common but now is rare, has a CI 50+% lower than that of the next-lowest commercial process, Kilns. Earth mounds/pits and external-fuelled Retorts have CIs considerably higher still. The carbon efficiency (CE) of Wood distillation is more than twice that of the next-best, again Kilns. CE is defined as normalised, total carbon emitted. This is not the same as CI, it is not usually considered in studies such as this, yet it is important for climate impact. CE could be a useful measure in assessments (such as this) where biogenic carbon is significant.

Keywords

Carbon intensity; carbon footprint; charcoal; carbon efficiency; grilling

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Environmental Science

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