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

Vinícius P. Shibukawa, Lucas Ramos, Mónica M. Cruz-Santos, Carina A. Prado, Fanny M. Jofre, Gabriel L. de Arruda, Silvio S. da Silva, Solange I. Mussatto () and Júlio C. dos Santos
Additional contact information
Vinícius P. Shibukawa: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Lucas Ramos: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Mónica M. Cruz-Santos: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Carina A. Prado: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Fanny M. Jofre: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Gabriel L. de Arruda: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Silvio S. da Silva: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil
Solange I. Mussatto: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Building 223, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Júlio C. dos Santos: Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, Lorena 12602810, SP, Brazil

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-30

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.

Keywords: 2G ethanol; biorefineries; techno-economic assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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