Title:
Case Studies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in Brazilian Ethanol Facilities via Biomass Gasification and Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
Author(s):
Marchesan, A.N., Chagas, M.F., Morais, E.R., Junqueira, T.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The conversion of biomass into liquid biofuels, particularly Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), is a key strategy for mitigating the environmental impacts of hard-to-abate sectors, such as aviation. Despite its strategic role, the commercial deployment of technologies like Gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (GFT) still faces technical challenges and high capital costs, as evidenced by recent project pauses and shutdowns. Given the capital-intensive nature of GFT, this study investigates potential integration scenarios with sugarcane-based ethanol production—a well-established technology in Brazil. The aim is to identify synergies between the two processes and opportunities to improve biomass conversion efficiency and reduce costs. The results show that the integration of GFT into sugarcane-based ethanol mills offers a promising route for expanding SAF production by leveraging existing infrastructure and biomass resources, reducing the minimum selling price by 13-22% relative to a standalone facility (1.56 USD/L). Moreover, all configurations deliver significant environmental benefits, with SAF achieving more than 94% reduction in life-cycle GHG emissions compared to fossil kerosene. From a system-level perspective, the results highlight the importance of allocating biomass to SAF production rather than electricity generation, while leveraging low-carbon electricity sources such as wind to further reduce overall carbon intensity.
Keywords:
biofuel, cost analysis, sugarcane, biomass to liquid (BtL), integration, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Integrated biorefineries for co-production of biofuels, biochemicals and bio-based products
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3CO.3.2
Pages:
396 - 399
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-3CO.3.2
Price:
FREE
