Empirical analysis of large-scale bio-succinic acid commercialization from a technoeconomic and innovation value chain perspective: BioAmber biorefinery case study in Canada

Abstract

Succinic acid from carbohydrates is increasingly being recognized as a renewable biochemical for deriving a wide range of sustainable value-added products. However, in spite of earlier efforts to commercialize bio-succinic acid on an industrial scale, the product's entry into the market has been severely constrained, leading to the demise of the business. This study evaluates the commercialization of bio-succinic acid from a technoeconomic and innovation value chain perspective, using BioAmber's carbohydrate-based succinic acid as a case study. A 30,000-tonne annum−1 bio-succinic acid production plant was designed and simulated using SuperPro® Designer. The estimated fixed capital cost of the Sarnia Plant was $147 million which was similar to BioAmber's expense but the calculated cost of succinic acid production was $2.23 kg−1 which was much higher than of BioAmber's original projection. The analysis revealed a number of factors that may have contributed to the demise of BioAmber Sarnia Plant. Lacking of cost competition and market demand, the Sarnia plant could not operate at full capacity and was unable to generate profit. The sensitivity analysis showed the derived coproducts such as 1,4-butanediol would not be profitable under current succinic acid prices. This study provides benchmarks for understanding risks in technology commercialization strategies and assisting in eliminating similar mistakes associated with the translation of a research invention into a successful commercial product.