Title:
Green Residues - A Promising Feedstock for Green Biorefineries? New Findings from the German SMIBIO Case Study
Author(s):
Ball, I., Janssen, R., Rutz, D.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Currently, biorefineries have followed the conception of oil refineries, using a single feedstock (oil refinery: crude oil) in huge processing capacities to achieve maximum economy of scale. This approach has been applied to biomass and, currently, a broad spectrum of different large-scale biorefineries, using a single feedstock, are under development (DuPont, Abengoa, Beta Renewables, POETDSM, Pure Vision, BP Biofuels, among other). Under such conditions, opportunities for installing large-scale biorefineries in most rural areas in Europe, LAC countries and worldwide are scarce, due to high capital costs required and barriers for sustainable biomass supply and distribution. Conversely, small scale biorefineries will require a significantly lower CAPEX, and solve several challenges their larger competitors are facing. In Bavaria, Germany, the possibility to use residual grass as feedstock in a biorefinery is subject to investigation. It could be shown that residual grass (in the target region Straubing-Bogen) has a theoretical economic potential for the production of a high-value amino acid product, together with two fertilizer products. The technical concept to do so shows the process steps which include extrusion, filtration and concentration in the first part of the biorefinery, and the use of a tailored ion exchanger in the second step. The use of this concept would bring an added-value to the local waste disposal association. However, until today the only missing part to finish the study, a small-sale silage concept, could not be realized. So, it can be said that (garden) grass could be a promising feedstock, yet only if a novel small-scale silage concept can be elaborated.
Keywords:
biorefinery, economics, residues, grass
Topic:
Biomass Conversion Technologies for Fuels, Chemicals and Materials
Subtopic:
Biorefineries
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3BV.5.7
Pages:
1094 - 1098
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-3BV.5.7
Price:
FREE
