Impact of Product Diversification on the Economic Sustainability of Second-Generation Ethanol Biorefineries: A Critical Review

Author:

Shibukawa Vinícius P.1ORCID,Ramos Lucas1ORCID,Cruz-Santos Mónica M.1,Prado Carina A.1,Jofre Fanny M.1,de Arruda Gabriel L.1,da Silva Silvio S.1ORCID,Mussatto Solange I.2ORCID,dos Santos Júlio C.1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil

2. Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 223, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

Abstract

The replacement of fossil-based products with renewable alternatives is today a major research topic. Biofuels, such as second-generation ethanol, offer a promising way to overcome dependence on fossil fuels. However, second-generation biorefineries still face bottlenecks that hinder their economic sustainability. These include challenges in pretreatment (formation of inhibitors and high costs of chemicals) and hydrolysis (high enzyme costs and low solid content) and maximizing the utilization of biomass components. To achieve economic sustainability, biorefineries can adopt approaches such as integrating first and second generation (1G and 2G) technologies, using different production alternatives, or diversifying the product portfolio. This last alternative could include the simultaneous production of biomaterials, building blocks, and others from all fractions of the materials, favoring biorefinery profitability. Techno-economic assessment plays a crucial role in assessing the economic feasibility of these approaches and provides important information about the process. This article discusses how product diversification in cellulosic biorefineries enhances their economic sustainability, based on simulation techniques and techno-economic analysis, with a comprehensive and critical review of current possibilities and future trends. The information discussed can inform stakeholders about investing in 2G ethanol biorefineries, including strategies, associated risks, and profitability, allowing better planning of different options of future ventures.

Funder

Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), Denmark

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Brazil

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Energy (miscellaneous),Energy Engineering and Power Technology,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,Control and Optimization,Engineering (miscellaneous),Building and Construction

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