Title:
Fundamental Understanding of Energy Recovery from Food Waste Via Thermochemical Liquefaction: Integration of Conceptual Process Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment
Author(s):
Okoro, O.V., Lei, N., Shavandi, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
This study explores thermochemical liquefaction (TCL) of mixed food waste and how the choice of feedstock affects biocrude energy recovery (ER). A four-component mixture of apple pomace, spent coffee grounds, spent tea leaves, and bread waste was tested at 270 °C for 30 minutes. ER varied widely (3.6–37.8%), with better results seen in pomace-rich mixtures, especially when combined with coffee grounds. Optimization suggested a maximum ER of 44.7%, although the highest experimental value reached was 38.8%. A conceptual process model was also developed to further investigate scale-up. The techno-economic analysis yielded a minimum selling price of 1.43 USD/kg, while the life-cycle assessment showed that upstream energy and material inputs are the main drivers of environmental impact.
Keywords:
biomass, biorefinery, sustainability, waste
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels
Subtopic:
Biofuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5AV.4.22
Pages:
846 - 848
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-5AV.4.22
Price:
FREE
