Title:
Sustainability Analisys as a Tool to Determine the Role of Biorefineries in High Value Bioproducts and Biofuels Production Based on Lignocellulosic Biomass
Author(s):
Magaņa, G., Amaya-Delgado, L., Sanchez, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Biorefineries for the conversion of lignocellulosic residues and wastes are considered as an alternative with great potential worldwide for their revalorization. However, these biorefinery schemes must be sustainable, eco-efficient and competitive. Therefore, their assessment from an integrated perspective takes a relevant role. In the present work, sustainability analysis is employed as a decision-making tool for prospective technologies. As case study three biorefineries to produce high value products (xylitol) and biofuels (bioethanol and biogas) were evaluated to determine the most sustainable scheme. Tequila industry residues were selected as feedstock due to the significant amount generated in Mexico, their sugar content and their convenient location. The method applied is based on a process engineering approach and considers economic, environmental and social impacts. As expected, the economic and social domains were improved with the integration of the xylitol production. However, the environmental impacts were negatively increased. Since the total production cost (TPC) was the largest contributing indicator to the global sustainability, the scheme with the cheaper TPC, was the most sustainable biorefinery. The elements and tools provided by the applied method generate the necessary information for a well-supported determination of the most sustainable biorefinery scheme considering the Mexican context.
Keywords:
biofuel, biomass, biorefinery, sustainability, bioproducts
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Sustainability and socio-economic aspects
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4AV.3.9
Pages:
1390 - 1395
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-4AV.3.9
Price:
FREE
