Bioprocess Design and Technoeconomic Analysis of 2,3-Butanediol Production in Wood-Based Biorefineries
2024 (English) In: Waste and Biomass Valorization, ISSN 1877-2641, E-ISSN 1877-265XArticle in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
2,3-Butanediol (BDO) is a crucial precursor in various industries, traditionally derived from fossil resources, raising environmental concerns. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of producing BDO from wood residues, a sustainable resource abundantly available in Nordic countries. By modeling a biorefinery plant with a daily capacity of 100 metric tons of wood chips, three scenarios (Sc.) were explored: Sc. 1, where BDO is the sole product; Sc. 2, where BDO is produced alongside methane and biofertilizer; and Sc. 3, which incorporates a combined heat and power system using biogas from the waste stream. The analysis emphasizes the minimum selling price (MSP) of BDO, revealing it to be lowest in Sc. 1 at USD2.97/kg, compared to USD3.20/kg and USD3.48/kg for Sc. 2 and Sc. 3, respectively. Notably, sensitivity analysis highlighted the impact of processing capacity on economic performance, suggesting a potential for higher scalability and profitability in Sc. 2. This study contributes novel insights into the role of processing capacity and fermentation yield in optimizing BDO production, providing a valuable framework for technology developers aiming to establish wood-based biorefineries. These findings not only enhance understanding of economic thresholds but also underscore the importance of resource efficiency and strategic planning in bio-based production setups. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.).
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages Springer Science+Business Media B.V., 2024.
Keywords [en]
Minimum selling price, Net present value, Payback period, Renewable resources, Wood residue, Economic analysis, Refining, Sensitivity analysis, Wood products, Bioprocess design, Biorefineries, Butanediol, Payback periods, Processing capacities, Renewable resource, Selling prices, The net present value (NPV), Wood residues, Investments
National Category
Environmental Engineering
Research subject Environmental and Energy Systems
Identifiers URN: urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-101197 DOI: 10.1007/s12649-024-02611-3 Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85198382305 OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kau-101197 DiVA, id: diva2:1885412
2024-07-232024-07-232024-07-23 Bibliographically approved