The production of first generation biofuels, such as sunflower-based biodiesel, is potentially an option for
diversifying the energy matrix in several South American countries. However, biofuels present environmental
challenges, especially concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study,
using a life-cycle approach, evaluates the GHG emissions and energy balance of the future nationwide
production of sunflower-based biodiesel in Chile. Direct land use change is included in the analysis. The
overall findings indicate that sunflower biodiesel, under the most likely production conditions, will have
better environmental performance than fossil diesel in terms of both indicators. The agricultural stage is
associated to key factors such as land use change, and nitrogen fertilizers. These factors contribute significantly
to GHG emissions or energy demand in the biodiesel life cycle. The sensitivity analysis shows that
no GHG emission saving could occur if nitrogen fertilizers rate exceeds 330 kg N/ha. In order to reduce
the environmental impacts of this biofuel, improvement measures are suggested
The production of first generation biofuels, such as sunflower-based biodiesel, is potentially an option for
diversifying the energy matrix in several South American countries. However, biofuels present environmental
challenges, especially concerning the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study,
using a life-cycle approach, evaluates the GHG emissions and energy balance of the future nationwide
production of sunflower-based biodiesel in Chile. Direct land use change is included in the analysis. The
overall findings indicate that sunflower biodiesel, under the most likely production conditions, will have
better environmental performance than fossil diesel in terms of both indicators. The agricultural stage is
associated to key factors such as land use change, and nitrogen fertilizers. These factors contribute significantly
to GHG emissions or energy demand in the biodiesel life cycle. The sensitivity analysis shows that
no GHG emission saving could occur if nitrogen fertilizers rate exceeds 330 kg N/ha. In order to reduce
the environmental impacts of this biofuel, improvement measures are suggested
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