ABSTRACT

Sustainability of  a  bioenergy project depends on  precise assessment of  biomass resource, planning of cost-effective logistics and evaluation of possible environmental implications. In this context, this paper reviews the role and applications of geo-spatial tool such as  Geographical Information System (GIS) for precise agro-residue resource assessment, biomass logistic and power plant design. Further, application of Life Cycle  Assessment (LCA) in understanding the potential impact of agro-residue bioenergy genera- tion on different ecosystem services has also been reviewed and limitations associated with LCA variabil- ity and uncertainty were discussed. Usefulness of integration of GIS into LCA (i.e. spatial LCA) to overcome the limitations of conventional LCA and to produce a holistic evaluation of the environmental benefits and concerns of  bioenergy is  also reviewed. Application of  GIS, LCA and spatial LCA can  help alleviate the challenges faced by  ambitious bioenergy projects by  addressing both economics and environmental goals.