Integrated techno-economic assessment of a biorefinery process: The high-end valorization of the lignocellulosic fraction in wood streams. (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tschulkow, Maxim; Compernolle, Tine; Van den Bosch, Sander; Van Aelst, Joost; Storms, Ilié; Van Dael, Miet; Van den Bossche, Gil; Sels, Bert; Van Passel, Steven
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 266(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: Biomass conversion technology -- Biorefinery -- Lignocellulose -- Reductive catalytic fractionation -- Techno-economic assessment -- Wood valorization; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: A new lignin-first biorefinery with a reductive catalytic fractionation process, which targets the valorization of the lignin and the carbohydrate fraction into higher value end-products, is currently being designed. To identify the various R&D drivers for projects with a low technology readiness level (TRL), we developed an integrated techno-economic assessment (TEA) that directly integrates the results of lab studies with economic costs and benefits. Furthermore, different linkages are made to upstream wood availability and downstream demand to understand its fit into existing wood value chains. By making the relations across the wood value chain explicit within the integrated TEA, we find that the scale of the plant, the feedstock-specific output quantities, and output prices highly determine the economic feasibility. Furthermore, this detailed analysis reveals the importance of assessing different types of feedstock. If only virgin wood is available as feedstock, minimum capacity levels between 190 and 234 kilotons per year are needed for the investment to be profitable. Waste wood proves to be the most profitable feedstock with an NPV of M€ 59 and an IRR of 26%. Using only waste wood as feedstock makes the investment profitable at a lower capacity level of 80 kilotons per year and economic shocks can be absorbed. Based on these results we show that an integrated and detailed TEA is indispensable to define future development paths for early-stage, innovative technologies. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Integrated TEA with multiple interlinkages within the wood-based value chain. Use of a unique set of lab-based data for birch, poplar, pine and waste wood (type B). Capacity level and feedstock type are crucial factors to reach profitability. Waste wood (type B) is the most profitable feedstock.