Miet Van Dael

A techno-economic assessment of an algal-based biorefinery

Economic and technological assessments have identified difficulties with the commercialization of bulk products from microalgae, like biofuels. To overcome these problems, a multi-product algal-based biorefinery has been proposed. This paper performs a techno-economic assessment of such a biorefinery. Four production pathways, ranging from a base case with commercial technologies to an improved case with innovative technologies, are analyzed. All region-specific parameters were adapted to Belgian conditions. Three scenarios result in techno-economically viable production plants. The most profitable scenario is the scenario which uses a specialized membrane for medium recycling and an open pond algae cultivation. Although the inclusion of a photobioreactor decreases the culture medium costs, the higher investment costs result in lower economic profits. The carotenoid content and price are identified as critical parameters. Furthermore, the economies of scale assumption for the photobioreactor is critical for the feasibility of this cultivation technology. The techno-economic assessment is an important methodology to guide and evaluate further improvements in research and shorten the time-to-market for innovative technologies in this field.

Energy conversion park - a concept for the efficient use of regionally available biomass residue streams.

Fig. 1. Schematic representation of the Energy Conversion Park concept. The efficient use of biomass for energy is important in our aim to produce renewable energy. In Western European countries, the focus currently lies on the use of biomass streams which are clean and pure, like wood pellets, often imported over large distances. The energy conversion plants are mostly one-dimensional, i.e. they are specifically dedicated to one biomass input source, rely on the most appropriate conversion technology for that type of biomass and produce a specific output like biofuels or electricity and/or heat. On the other hand, biomass residue streams (e.g. verge cuttings, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and by-products of agriculture) are largely available, but are hardly or inefficiently used. Since their energy potential is obvious, solutions offering higher economic added value for these streams are needed. To facilitate the efficient use of regionally available biomass residue streams, the Energy Conversion Park (ECP) concept is developed. A biomass ECP is defined as a synergetic multidimensional biomass conversion site with a highly integrated set of conversion technologies in which a multitude of regionally available biomass (residue) sources are converted into energy and materials. A graphical representation is provided in Fig. 1. An important aspect is the use of synergies between different input streams, conversion technologies and outputs with the goal of attaining economic benefits. The outputs, i.e. energy and materials, can be used regionally. In this way, fossil energy can be saved and transport distances can be decreased with accompanied greenhouse gas savings and reduced pollution. In addition, a contribution can be made to the local economy and labor market. Although a biomass ECP can be interesting from a techno-economic point of view, its development process is not straightforward and can be hindered or even obstructed in various steps of the process. Based on the results of multiple pilot cases, a general 10-step development process has been identified (Fig. 2). The development progress of a specific biomass ECP is largely dependent on the support and willingness of local parties to participate. The first step is the biomass ECP location selection. Often the location is already determined by a lead organization at an early stage. If needed, a macro-screening approach can be used to determine interesting potential locations for biomass valorization. Once the location is selected, a detailed micro-screening of the area is needed. In this second step, local authorities and industrial partners are contacted to gauge their interest in participating. In a third step, the biomass resources are inventoried. In making an inventory, the feasibility (i.e. theoretical, technical, economic and implementation) of a variety of biomass residue streams should be determined. Many articles focus on the technical potential, however, for the development of a concrete biomass ECP, the implementation potential is needed. Therefore, the quantities available,

Techno-economic Assessment Methodology for Ultrasonic Production of Biofuels

Many market introductions fail due to economic reasons and not because of process performance. A techno-economic assessment (TEA) tool can help in making good choices during process development and raise the success rate of market introduction. In this chapter, the advantages of performing a TEA in early development stage of an innovative technology are highlighted. Seeing the current state of ultrasound technology, a TEA can help to steer further research into the most interesting pathway. The chapter, therefore, elaborates on the methodology that can be used to perform such a TEA and on the specific components which should be taken into account when applying a TEA on the ultrasonic production of biofuels and chemicals. Finally, a review is provided on the existing scientific literature concerning the economic performance of ultrasound technology.

The potential of microalgae biorefineries in Belgium and India: An environmental techno-economic assessment

This study performs an environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) for multiple microalgae biorefinery concepts at different locations, those being Belgium and India. The ETEA methodology, which integrates aspects of the TEA and LCA methodologies and provides a clear framework for an integrated assessment model, has been proposed and discussed. The scenario in India has a higher profitability with a NPV of €40 million over a period of 10 years, while the environmental impact in Belgium is lower. The inclusion of a medium recycling step provides the best scenario from both perspectives. The crucial parameters for feasibility are the β-carotene price and content, the upstream environmental impact of electricity and the maximum biomass concentration during cultivation. The identification of these parameters by the ETEA guides future technology developments and shortens the time-to-market for microalgal-based biorefineries.