Expanding the potential of fuel-production plants
Producing fuels, power and value-added chemicals from plants and other types of biomass is becoming an attractive, renewable and clean way to partially relieve our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to providing energy-related materials, integrating biorefinery concepts into existing fuel-producing facilities is an important way to increase profitability and decrease overall environmental impact through the exploitation of numerous intermediate products and by-products. EU-funded scientists initiated the project BIOREF-INTEG to evaluate this integration as regards seven specific biomass-processing sectors. The areas of interest are those producing biofuels (bioethanol and biodiesel), conventional fuels, power, pulp and paper, and the food and agricultural industries. Researchers mapped existing industrial fuel-producing complexes in Europe and identified reference cases and integrated biorefinery concepts for each biomass-processing sector. They then identified potential raw materials and hundreds of promising added-value chemicals that could be co-produced with fuels. The project also drew heavily on biorefinery knowledge and experience from outside the EU. Scientists then got to work on assessing the technical, financial and environmental considerations to compare reference and biorefinery cases. They also conducted technical feasibility analyses, commercial feasibility analyses (using market prices, proposed volumes, etc.) and SWOT analyses (assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). Results showed that consumer perception of the products and processes is generally positive for all considered, making a strong case for public readiness for a bio-economy. Biorefinery concepts with low impact on existing production facilities were correlated with higher economic values, whereas commercial feasibility was unrelated to economic value. Processes involving thermal treatments such as combined heat and power (CHP) or pyrolysis are not yet industrially mature, as reflected by low technical feasibility and negative economic value. Finally, legislated subsidies play an important role in biorefinery integration. BIOREF-INTEG has provided critical insight regarding technical, economic and environmental considerations associated with integrating seven specific biomass-producing sectors into biorefinery concepts at existing fuel-production facilities. Outcomes are expected to play an important role in the future of biorefineries to produce alternative forms of energy and a variety of other added-value chemicals.
