The REWOFUEL project successfully demonstrated its technology for the production of high-performance biofuel ingredients from wood residues at pre-industrial scale. Several ton-scale batches of bio-IBN were produced in Global Bioenergies specialized Demo scale IBN fermentation facilities using residual wood hydrolysate sugars provided by partners Sekab and Fibenol and benchmark sugars. Further the project allowed for the optimization of key process parameters which resulted in strong decreases in production costs, including reduced enzyme usage for wood to sugar conversion and improved sugar to IBN productivity and yield. In addition, the bio-IBN produced was found to be of excellent purity and quality thanks to its spontaneous extraction in the gas phase during fermentation, separating from impurities that remain in the liquid phase.
Subsequently, several tons of biofuel components isooctane, ETBE and jetfuels were generated. Concerning fuel characterization, gasoline formulations containing a high level of renewable components and compliant with the European standard were tested in engine trials showing improved performances compared to the fossil gasoline reference. On the aviation side, the REWOFUEL sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) component was evaluated by experts of the ASTM International standard organization, who reached the conclusion so far that the fuel showed good quality and did not require extensive phase 2 tests in order to be approved for use up to 50% in kerosene blends.
Overall the REWOFUEL project has been essential to further mature the wood-to-biofuel technology, from a TRL5-6 to a TRL 7.
Co-products of the wood hydrolysis and fermentation processes were also tested for valorization in various applications. In particular, lignin samples were shipped and used in the manufacture of bitumen which were successfully tested on road sections. Additional lignin valorization strategies with high potential were also identified including for the manufacture of plastics and resins. Fermentation derived microbial proteins were evaluated in animal nutrition trials, assessing tolerance, digestibility and performance.
Finally, process engineering studies allowed for the definition of a standalone integrated process solution which led to a site-specific case study. The socio-economic and public acceptance studies were also established. In particular key stakeholders were identified and classified and the major public acceptance issues were identified. A robust business plan was established to prepare for the deployment of the REWOFUEL technology.
Throughout the project, dissemination activities provided communication material (webinars, presentation video, website, visual identity, slides, roll-up, flyers and social media activity) and focused on presentation of the project at various conferences and in articles, public reports and press releases.
