Abstract
Given the importance of climate change it is vital to find a transition away from fossil fuels. The transition will include electrification of several sectors, for example road transport, but considering the strong dependency on carbon-based fuels and associated infrastructures, it is reasonable to assume that biomass-based hydrocarbon will play a key role to smoothen the transition away from fossil fuels. This study provides an analysis of direct and indirect technological options for liquid biofuels based on lignocellulosic resources in the context of greening European fossil-fuel infrastructures. Direct options are those which result in integration of biogenic feedstock in a fossil-based process and then co-processing in a downstream conventional unit or substituting a conventional part of the production chain of a liquid fuel by a bio-based one. Indirect options are those which pave the way for ramping-up biomass supply chain in the form of infrastructure and market. Examples of direct options in the focus of this study are biomass gasification for production of intermediates and biomass pyrolysis substituting fossil feedstock. Examples of indirect options are co-firing biomass in coal-fired power plants and integrating biomass gasification plants with district heating (DH) networks. Such options are important for establishing biomass supply chains and markets. This study also assesses the potential of biomass use in other industrial sectors not directly related with fossil-based fuel or energy production, such as the pulp and paper industry and the iron and steel industry. In this context, opportunities and barriers for both direct and indirect greening options are discussed, focusing mainly on technological and logistic aspects. It is highlighted that fossil-fuel infrastructures can act as drivers for the development of advanced biofuels production as they can reduce the initial risks, in terms of cost and technological maturity, offering the opportunity to increase gradually the demand for biomass, and develop the logistic infrastructure. It is, however, important to make sure that such biofuel production processes are part of a long-term strategy, which needs incentives to overcome current barriers and eventually phase out fossil infrastructures.
Highlights
The European Union (EU) aims at the transition toward a climate neutral economy in order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement (United Nations Climate Change, 2016) adopting various action plans and strategies
In short term the “2030 climate and energy framework” (European Commission, 2030 climate & energy framework, Climate Action1) includes EUwide targets and policy objectives targeting at the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increased share of renewable energy and improvement in energy efficiency
This study aims at providing the short- to mid-term perspectives for greening fossil infrastructures in the context of the most advanced biomass conversion technologies for liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstock, based on an overview of the generic technology status, available capacities, and important techno-economic aspects
Summary
The European Union (EU) aims at the transition toward a climate neutral economy in order to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement (United Nations Climate Change, 2016) adopting various action plans and strategies. EU targets at climate neutrality by 2050 (European Commission, 2050 long-term strategy, Climate Action2) in the framework of the European Green Deal (European Commission, A European Green Deal3), which includes action plans toward a resource efficient, circular economy, restoration of biodiversity, and pollution reduction In this context, it is likely that in the foreseeable future the fossil-fuel infrastructure will involve significant downsizing. This study, instead, focuses on technological opportunities for “greening” conventional infrastructures with advanced biofuels processes based on lignocellulosic feedstock which are at a relatively high technology readiness level (TRL>6) This can be a win-win situation, contributing to both a realistic, gradual phase-out of fossil infrastructures, and to increasing the TRL of biomass conversion technologies from demonstration to commercial scale facilities. This study aims at providing the short- to mid-term perspectives for greening fossil infrastructures in the context of the most advanced biomass conversion technologies for liquid biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstock, based on an overview of the generic technology status, available capacities, and important techno-economic aspects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
