Biobutanol production from corn stover in the US

Abstract

On account of complexities associated with commercial production of second-generation biofuels, comprehensive examinations are required to enhance the economic feasibility of biobutanol production from cellulosic compounds. As the most abundant crop residue in the US, corn stover is a readily available feedstock for biorefineries. However, there are few studies to evaluate the corn stover application in the large-scale biobutanol production. In this regard, in order to estimate the amount of collectible corn stover special to biobutanol production, a quantitate model was presented. In this model, the residue potential quantity, job creation, butanol blends potential quantity, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and social costs, forecasting future trends, economic evaluation, and risk analysis are considered. It was estimated that a total quantity of 84 million tonnes (Mt) of stover for the production of about 10.48 gigaliters (Gl) of biobutanol can potentially be collected. Around 87.4% of the total collectible residues is produced in the Midwest. A total of 81,000 jobs can be generated and Iowa can potentially create the most jobs. Furthermore, around 9.5 Gl of gasoline can be saved and about 64.6 Gl of butanol-gasoline blend (Bu16) can potentially be produced from corn residues in the US, which is equivalent to 11.8% of total domestic gasoline consumption. The average minimum selling price (MSP) in the Midwest was $5.76 and $4.05 per gallon depending on the feedstock price, and Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota were predicted to be very attractive in terms of lower selling prices.