Abstract

This study delineates promising, innovative and resource efficient biochemical production concepts for the integrated production of ethanol and biogas as vehicle fuels from lignocellulosic biomass feedstock. Four scenarios are studied, two based on straw as feedstock, including a small- and a large-scale biofuel plant, one based on hemp as feedstock, representing an energy crop, and large-scale plant, and one based on a forest residue-based, large-scale plant. The study is based on a literature review and previous and ongoing work performed by the project partners, where the efficiency in pre-treatment and bioconversion to fuels in integrated processes have been experimentally determined. The complementary assessments performed within the study include modelling of energy and cost performance, and life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas performance. In addition, suitable geographic locations are identified, based on the technical implementation potential in existing infrastructure in Swedish district heating systems and forest industries, and on the regional potential of sustainable lignocellulosic feedstock supply from agriculture and forestry. The overall conclusion is that integrated production of ethanol and biogas from lignocellulosic feedstock is promising from various aspects and has the potential to provide several benefits, compared with separate production systems.

Keywords

ethanol, biogas, lignocellulose, co-production, biorefinery

Published in

IMES/EESS Report
2013, number: 87
ISBN: 978-91-86961-13-8
Publisher: Lund Institute of Technology, Lund University

Authors' information