Superheated Steam Torrefaction of Biomass Residues with Valorisation of Platform Chemicals Part—2: Economic Assessment and Commercialisation Opportunities

Baharam Roy,Antoine Dalibard,Peter Kleine-Möllhoff

doi:10.3390/su14042338

Abstract

Up to now biorefinery concepts can hardly compete with the conventional production of fossil-based chemicals. On one hand, conventional chemical production has been optimised over many decades in terms of energy, yield and costs. Biorefineries, on the other hand, do not have the benefit of long-term experience and therefore have a huge potential for optimisation. This study deals with the economic evaluation of a newly developed biorefinery concept based on superheated steam (SHS) torrefaction of biomass residues with recovery of valuable platform chemicals. Two variants of the biorefinery were economically investigated. One variant supplies various platform chemicals and torrefied biomass. The second variant supplies thermal energy for external consumers in addition to platform chemicals. The results show that both variants can be operated profitably if the focus of the platform chemicals produced is on high quality and thus on the higher-priced segment. The economic analysis gives clear indications of the most important financial influencing parameters. The economic impact of integration into existing industrial structures is positive. With the analysis, a viable business model can be developed. Based on the results of the present study, an open-innovation platform is recommended for the further development and commercialisation of the novel biorefinery.

Highlights

What would our economies look like if we produced exclusively biobased chemical products with renewable resources? Can chemical production plants be operated economically independently of finite fossil raw materials in the sense of a circular economy? Is superheated steam (SHS) torrefaction suitable for the economic production of platform chemicals?Revenues from circular economy products and services are not yet as profitable as their classic linear-oriented alternatives
Because the plant is small compared to the conventional production capacities, the infrastructure and personnel costs are disproportionately high
This dilemma can be solved if the biorefinery is used as part of a production network and the above-mentioned costs only have to be charged in part

Summary

Introduction

What would our economies look like if we produced exclusively biobased chemical products with renewable resources? Can chemical production plants be operated economically independently of finite fossil raw materials in the sense of a circular economy? Is superheated steam (SHS) torrefaction suitable for the economic production of platform chemicals?Revenues from circular economy products and services are not yet as profitable as their classic linear-oriented alternatives. Can chemical production plants be operated economically independently of finite fossil raw materials in the sense of a circular economy? Raising venture capital, promoting commercialisation and exporting to international markets are among the key future challenges that circular economy companies will have to face [1,2,3]. Biorefineries must increase their revenues in order to be competitive and attract future investments. [8] reports on a profitable biorefinery concept for the valorisation of olive oil pomace that can produce high value products while improving the economic and environmental sustainability of the olive oil value chain [8] Ref. [8] reports on a profitable biorefinery concept for the valorisation of olive oil pomace that can produce high value products while improving the economic and environmental sustainability of the olive oil value chain [8]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion