Title:
Flagship Plants in Bioeconomy: What Can We Learn from 2G Ethanol Pioneers?
Author(s):
dos Santos e Silva, D.F., Bomtempo, J.V., Alves Soares, G.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The first second-generation ethanol (2GE) plants have faced major operational difficulties. Among the 6 main projects that went into operation in the mid-2010s, only 3 are still operational today. It has been challenging for pioneers to stabilize production and operate regularly. The ability to efficiently produce 2GE means the capacity to produce the so-called second-generation sugars derived from cellulose and hemicellulose - simple and fermentable sugars C6 and C5. These sugars are the starting points for many of the products that the bioeconomy envisions as an essential part of the efficient exploitation of biomass, including biofuels, bioenergy, biochemicals and biomaterials. So, 2G technologies must be a strategic gateway to the modern bioeconomy that aims at the efficient use of available renewable biological resources. This article discusses the nature of the problems faced by the first 2GE commercial plants. The argument developed brings to the conclusion the view that, in some cases, the pioneer plants in emerging industries are somehow advanced stages of the development process itself that still require specific R&D efforts to reach regular operational stages.
Keywords:
bioeconomy, second generation ethanol, flagship plant, innovation process
Topic:
Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Market Implementation, Investments & Financing
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5BV.5.7
Pages:
1324 - 1332
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-5BV.5.7
Price:
FREE
