- An overview of the status of anaerobic digestion systems in Canada's agriculture and agri-food ... more - An overview of the status of anaerobic digestion systems in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector
- Key drivers: past, present, future
- Opportunities for further growth and hurdles
- Attributes of new AD systems
- Suggested actions
This study quantified the distribution of animals by farm size for portions of the dairy, beef, s... more This study quantified the distribution of animals by farm size for portions of the dairy, beef, swine, and poultry sectors using the 2016 Census of Agriculture. Results showed that the distribution of farm sizes and animal populations were skewed or bimodal and varied by livestock type and by province. Thus, the average farm size has little meaning. Recognizing farm size diversity is important for developing effective policies and programs, conducting appropriate research, and developing practices and technologies to support farms of all sizes.
An overview of biofuel development in Canada including question of sustainability. If biofuels ar... more An overview of biofuel development in Canada including question of sustainability. If biofuels are developed carefully and deliberately, they can be the foundation for a more sustainable future. The utilization of biomass in Canada will represent a major shift and adaptation. Economic, environmental and social aspect to sustainable development require assessing the impacts of our first-generation investments. Agricultural biotechnology holds the promise of providing new feedstocks for energy production and other industrial products. Industrial biotechnology can be applied to both biobased and non-bio feedstocks, supplying processes that are less energy or chemically intensive
Approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance: Summary... more Approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance: Summary of findings under Objective 2 of the IEA Bioenergy inter-Task project "Measuring, governing andgaining support for sustainable bioenergy supply chains". (1 ed.) IEA Bioenergy.
The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the sout... more The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, 'How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?' To address this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and can be produced while maintaining or improving forest ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are protected by the requirement to utilize loggers trained to apply scientifically based best management practices in planning and implementing harvest for the export market. Bioenergy markets supplement incomes to private rural landholders and provide an incentive for forest management practices that simultaneously benefit water quality and wildlife and reduce risk of fire and insect outbreaks. Bioenergy also increases the value of forest
IEA Bioenergy, also known as the Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development ... more IEA Bioenergy, also known as the Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development and Demonstration on Bioenergy, functions within a Framework created by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Views, findings and publications of IEA Bioenergy do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or of its individual Member countries.
Concerns over non-renewable fossil fuel supply and climate change have been driving the Renaissan... more Concerns over non-renewable fossil fuel supply and climate change have been driving the Renaissance of bio-based materials. To substantiate environmental claims, the impacts of bio-based materials are typically quantified by applying life cycle assessment (LCA). The internationally agreed LCA standards provide generic recommendations on how to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and services but do not address details that are specifically relevant for the life cycles of bio-based materials. Here, we provide an overview of key issues and methodologies explicitly pertinent to the LCA of bio-based materials. We argue that the treatment of biogenic carbon storage is critical for quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of bio-based materials in comparison with petrochemical materials. We acknowledge that biogenic carbon storage remains controversial but recommend accounting for it, depending on product-specific life cycles and the likely time duration of carbon storage. If carbon storage is considered, co-product allocation is nontrivial and should be chosen with care in order to: (i) ensure that carbon storage is assigned to the main product and the co-product(s) in the intended manner and (ii) avoid double counting of stored carbon in the main product and once more in the co-product(s). Land-use change, soil degradation, water use, and impacts on soil carbon stocks and biodiversity are important aspects that have recently received attention. We explain various approaches to account for these and conclude that substantial methodological progress is necessary, which is however hampered by the complex and often case-and site-specific nature of impacts. With the exception of soil degradation, we recommend preliminary approaches for including these impacts in the LCA of bio-based materials. The use of attributional versus consequential LCA approaches is particularly relevant in the context of bio-based materials. We conclude that it is more challenging to prepare accurate consequential LCA studies, especially because these should account for future developments and secondary impacts around bio-based materials which are often difficult to anticipate and quantify. Although hampered by complexity and limited data availability, the application of the proposed approaches to the extent possible would allow obtaining a more comprehensive insight into the environmental impacts of the production, use, and disposal of bio-based materials.
IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Biorefining has the following definition on biorefinery: Biorefining is ... more IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Biorefining has the following definition on biorefinery: Biorefining is the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of bio-based products (food, feed, chemicals, materials) and bioenergy (biofuels, power and/or heat). Currently many different and various biorefinery concepts are developed and are already implemented. Based on the activities of the 12 participating countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, FR, G, I, IR, J, K, NL, US) the task identifies and assesses the current status and development potential of energy-driven biorefineries and product-driven biorefineries. The assessments are based on a Full Value Chain Approach, covering raw material issues, conversion processes and final product use in an integrated approach and assessing economic, socio-economic, environmental and social aspects in comparison to conventional processes and products. As a first step the 15 most interesting energy-driven biorefinery concepts until 2025 and their value ch...
The ambition of renewable energy technologies (including anaerobic digestion) is to reduce the ca... more The ambition of renewable energy technologies (including anaerobic digestion) is to reduce the carbon footprint of energy and eventually lead to a decarbonised world, ideally before 2050. Of issue for a net carbon neutral world are the hard to decarbonise sectors, such as agriculture. Agriculture is seen as a source of greenhouse gases, be it methane from belching ruminants, fugitive methane release from open storage of slurry, carbon release for tilled soils, desertification of agricultural land due to over use and droughts, reduction in soil organic carbon content, use of fossil fuels to make fertiliser, and N2O release from agricultural lands. Futher environmental isssues relate to the volatilisation of ammonia, eutrophication, smells and ground water pollution.
The IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefining” with its 11 member countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, G, I, IR, J... more The IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefining” with its 11 member countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, G, I, IR, J, NL, NZ, USA) has the following definition on biorefining: “Biorefining is the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of bio-based products (food, feed, chemicals, and materials) and bioenergy (biofuels, power and/or heat)”. Wood as a renewable and sustainable resource offers great opportunities for a comprehensive product portfolio to satisfy the different needs in a future BioEconomy. Worldwide many different wood based biorefining concepts are investigated and realised, of which the development status and the perspectives for implementation are quite different. Task 42 developed a “Biorefinery Fact Sheet” for the uniform and compact description of the main characteristics of these biorefineries and their whole value chain. The “Biorefinery Fact Sheets” are initially applied for a first selection of 15 interesting biorefinery systems identified by IEA Bioenergy Task 42, of ...
The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the south... more The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, ‘How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?’ To address this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and ca...
... Biogas, or-ganic juice Biomethane Chemi-cal bb (lactic acid, amino acid), biomaterials (fiber... more ... Biogas, or-ganic juice Biomethane Chemi-cal bb (lactic acid, amino acid), biomaterials (fibers) ... Animal feed Lignocellulosic crops (switch-grass) ... This classification procedure is applied in the following examples, where the biorefinery systems of Table 1 are classified (their ...
Sustainable biorefineries have a critical role to play in our common future. The need to provide ... more Sustainable biorefineries have a critical role to play in our common future. The need to provide more goods using renewable resources, combined with advances in science and technology, has provided a receptive environment for biorefinery systems development. Biorefineries offer the promise of using fewer non-renewable resources, reducing CO2 emissions, creating new employment, and spurring innovation using clean and efficient technologies. Lessons are being learned from the establishment of first-generation biofuel operations. The factors that are key to answering the question of biorefinery sustainability include: the type of feedstock, the conversion technologies and their respective conversion and energy efficiencies, the types of products (including coproducts) that are manufactured, and what products are substituted by the bioproducts. The BIOPOL review of eight existing biorefineries indicates that new efficient biorefineries can revitalize existing industries and promote regional development, especially in the R&D area. Establishment can be facilitated if existing facilities are used, if there is at least one product which is immediately marketable, and if supportive policies are in place. Economic, environmental, and social dimensions need to be evaluated in an integrated sustainability assessment. Sustainability principles, criteria, and indicators are emerging for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts. Practical assessment methodologies, including data systems, are critical for both sustainable design and to assure consumers, investors, and governments that they are doing the ‘right thing’ by purchasing a certain bioproduct. If designed using lifecycle thinking, biorefineries can be profitable, socially responsible, and produce goods with less environmental impact than conventional products … and potentially even be restorative!.
, that was prepared on behalf of IEA Bioenergy-Task42 Biorefinery, addresses the main bio-based c... more , that was prepared on behalf of IEA Bioenergy-Task42 Biorefinery, addresses the main bio-based chemicals that potentially could be co-produced with secondary energy carriers in integrated biorefinery facilities. Biorefining, i.e. the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of marketable Bio-based Products (chemicals, materials) and Bioenergy (fuels, power, heat) generally is seen as the optimal strategy to sustainably convert biomass into a portfolio of biomassderived intermediates and products that will form the base for the future Bio-based Economy. The report deals with the current production of bio-based chemicals, chemicals that potentially could be produced from major biorefinery platforms (syngas, biogas, sugars, oils, algae, organic solution, lignin, pyrolysis-oil), market growth predictions for the production of bio-based chemicals, economic benefits of co-producing bioenergy and bio-based chemicals, and an overview of commercial and near market bio-based chemicals (C1-C6, Cn). The purpose of the report is to provide an unbiased, authoritative statement aimed at stakeholders from the agro-sector, industry, SMEs, policy makers, and NGOs.
Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil-based econom... more Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil-based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realization of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost-effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc.). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products could generate US$10–15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com.
- An overview of the status of anaerobic digestion systems in Canada's agriculture and agri-food ... more - An overview of the status of anaerobic digestion systems in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector
- Key drivers: past, present, future
- Opportunities for further growth and hurdles
- Attributes of new AD systems
- Suggested actions
This study quantified the distribution of animals by farm size for portions of the dairy, beef, s... more This study quantified the distribution of animals by farm size for portions of the dairy, beef, swine, and poultry sectors using the 2016 Census of Agriculture. Results showed that the distribution of farm sizes and animal populations were skewed or bimodal and varied by livestock type and by province. Thus, the average farm size has little meaning. Recognizing farm size diversity is important for developing effective policies and programs, conducting appropriate research, and developing practices and technologies to support farms of all sizes.
An overview of biofuel development in Canada including question of sustainability. If biofuels ar... more An overview of biofuel development in Canada including question of sustainability. If biofuels are developed carefully and deliberately, they can be the foundation for a more sustainable future. The utilization of biomass in Canada will represent a major shift and adaptation. Economic, environmental and social aspect to sustainable development require assessing the impacts of our first-generation investments. Agricultural biotechnology holds the promise of providing new feedstocks for energy production and other industrial products. Industrial biotechnology can be applied to both biobased and non-bio feedstocks, supplying processes that are less energy or chemically intensive
Approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance: Summary... more Approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance: Summary of findings under Objective 2 of the IEA Bioenergy inter-Task project "Measuring, governing andgaining support for sustainable bioenergy supply chains". (1 ed.) IEA Bioenergy.
The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the sout... more The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, 'How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?' To address this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and can be produced while maintaining or improving forest ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are protected by the requirement to utilize loggers trained to apply scientifically based best management practices in planning and implementing harvest for the export market. Bioenergy markets supplement incomes to private rural landholders and provide an incentive for forest management practices that simultaneously benefit water quality and wildlife and reduce risk of fire and insect outbreaks. Bioenergy also increases the value of forest
IEA Bioenergy, also known as the Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development ... more IEA Bioenergy, also known as the Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development and Demonstration on Bioenergy, functions within a Framework created by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Views, findings and publications of IEA Bioenergy do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the IEA Secretariat or of its individual Member countries.
Concerns over non-renewable fossil fuel supply and climate change have been driving the Renaissan... more Concerns over non-renewable fossil fuel supply and climate change have been driving the Renaissance of bio-based materials. To substantiate environmental claims, the impacts of bio-based materials are typically quantified by applying life cycle assessment (LCA). The internationally agreed LCA standards provide generic recommendations on how to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and services but do not address details that are specifically relevant for the life cycles of bio-based materials. Here, we provide an overview of key issues and methodologies explicitly pertinent to the LCA of bio-based materials. We argue that the treatment of biogenic carbon storage is critical for quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of bio-based materials in comparison with petrochemical materials. We acknowledge that biogenic carbon storage remains controversial but recommend accounting for it, depending on product-specific life cycles and the likely time duration of carbon storage. If carbon storage is considered, co-product allocation is nontrivial and should be chosen with care in order to: (i) ensure that carbon storage is assigned to the main product and the co-product(s) in the intended manner and (ii) avoid double counting of stored carbon in the main product and once more in the co-product(s). Land-use change, soil degradation, water use, and impacts on soil carbon stocks and biodiversity are important aspects that have recently received attention. We explain various approaches to account for these and conclude that substantial methodological progress is necessary, which is however hampered by the complex and often case-and site-specific nature of impacts. With the exception of soil degradation, we recommend preliminary approaches for including these impacts in the LCA of bio-based materials. The use of attributional versus consequential LCA approaches is particularly relevant in the context of bio-based materials. We conclude that it is more challenging to prepare accurate consequential LCA studies, especially because these should account for future developments and secondary impacts around bio-based materials which are often difficult to anticipate and quantify. Although hampered by complexity and limited data availability, the application of the proposed approaches to the extent possible would allow obtaining a more comprehensive insight into the environmental impacts of the production, use, and disposal of bio-based materials.
IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Biorefining has the following definition on biorefinery: Biorefining is ... more IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Biorefining has the following definition on biorefinery: Biorefining is the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of bio-based products (food, feed, chemicals, materials) and bioenergy (biofuels, power and/or heat). Currently many different and various biorefinery concepts are developed and are already implemented. Based on the activities of the 12 participating countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, FR, G, I, IR, J, K, NL, US) the task identifies and assesses the current status and development potential of energy-driven biorefineries and product-driven biorefineries. The assessments are based on a Full Value Chain Approach, covering raw material issues, conversion processes and final product use in an integrated approach and assessing economic, socio-economic, environmental and social aspects in comparison to conventional processes and products. As a first step the 15 most interesting energy-driven biorefinery concepts until 2025 and their value ch...
The ambition of renewable energy technologies (including anaerobic digestion) is to reduce the ca... more The ambition of renewable energy technologies (including anaerobic digestion) is to reduce the carbon footprint of energy and eventually lead to a decarbonised world, ideally before 2050. Of issue for a net carbon neutral world are the hard to decarbonise sectors, such as agriculture. Agriculture is seen as a source of greenhouse gases, be it methane from belching ruminants, fugitive methane release from open storage of slurry, carbon release for tilled soils, desertification of agricultural land due to over use and droughts, reduction in soil organic carbon content, use of fossil fuels to make fertiliser, and N2O release from agricultural lands. Futher environmental isssues relate to the volatilisation of ammonia, eutrophication, smells and ground water pollution.
The IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefining” with its 11 member countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, G, I, IR, J... more The IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefining” with its 11 member countries (A, AUS, CA, DK, G, I, IR, J, NL, NZ, USA) has the following definition on biorefining: “Biorefining is the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of bio-based products (food, feed, chemicals, and materials) and bioenergy (biofuels, power and/or heat)”. Wood as a renewable and sustainable resource offers great opportunities for a comprehensive product portfolio to satisfy the different needs in a future BioEconomy. Worldwide many different wood based biorefining concepts are investigated and realised, of which the development status and the perspectives for implementation are quite different. Task 42 developed a “Biorefinery Fact Sheet” for the uniform and compact description of the main characteristics of these biorefineries and their whole value chain. The “Biorefinery Fact Sheets” are initially applied for a first selection of 15 interesting biorefinery systems identified by IEA Bioenergy Task 42, of ...
The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the south... more The ongoing debate about costs and benefits of wood-pellet based bioenergy production in the southeastern United States (SE USA) requires an understanding of the science and context influencing market decisions associated with its sustainability. Production of pellets has garnered much attention as US exports have grown from negligible amounts in the early 2000s to 4.6 million metric tonnes in 2015. Currently, 98% of these pellet exports are shipped to Europe to displace coal in power plants. We ask, ‘How is the production of wood pellets in the SE USA affecting forest systems and the ecosystem services they provide?’ To address this question, we review current forest conditions and the status of the wood products industry, how pellet production affects ecosystem services and biodiversity, and what methods are in place to monitor changes and protect vulnerable systems. Scientific studies provide evidence that wood pellets in the SE USA are a fraction of total forestry operations and ca...
... Biogas, or-ganic juice Biomethane Chemi-cal bb (lactic acid, amino acid), biomaterials (fiber... more ... Biogas, or-ganic juice Biomethane Chemi-cal bb (lactic acid, amino acid), biomaterials (fibers) ... Animal feed Lignocellulosic crops (switch-grass) ... This classification procedure is applied in the following examples, where the biorefinery systems of Table 1 are classified (their ...
Sustainable biorefineries have a critical role to play in our common future. The need to provide ... more Sustainable biorefineries have a critical role to play in our common future. The need to provide more goods using renewable resources, combined with advances in science and technology, has provided a receptive environment for biorefinery systems development. Biorefineries offer the promise of using fewer non-renewable resources, reducing CO2 emissions, creating new employment, and spurring innovation using clean and efficient technologies. Lessons are being learned from the establishment of first-generation biofuel operations. The factors that are key to answering the question of biorefinery sustainability include: the type of feedstock, the conversion technologies and their respective conversion and energy efficiencies, the types of products (including coproducts) that are manufactured, and what products are substituted by the bioproducts. The BIOPOL review of eight existing biorefineries indicates that new efficient biorefineries can revitalize existing industries and promote regional development, especially in the R&D area. Establishment can be facilitated if existing facilities are used, if there is at least one product which is immediately marketable, and if supportive policies are in place. Economic, environmental, and social dimensions need to be evaluated in an integrated sustainability assessment. Sustainability principles, criteria, and indicators are emerging for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts. Practical assessment methodologies, including data systems, are critical for both sustainable design and to assure consumers, investors, and governments that they are doing the ‘right thing’ by purchasing a certain bioproduct. If designed using lifecycle thinking, biorefineries can be profitable, socially responsible, and produce goods with less environmental impact than conventional products … and potentially even be restorative!.
, that was prepared on behalf of IEA Bioenergy-Task42 Biorefinery, addresses the main bio-based c... more , that was prepared on behalf of IEA Bioenergy-Task42 Biorefinery, addresses the main bio-based chemicals that potentially could be co-produced with secondary energy carriers in integrated biorefinery facilities. Biorefining, i.e. the sustainable processing of biomass into a spectrum of marketable Bio-based Products (chemicals, materials) and Bioenergy (fuels, power, heat) generally is seen as the optimal strategy to sustainably convert biomass into a portfolio of biomassderived intermediates and products that will form the base for the future Bio-based Economy. The report deals with the current production of bio-based chemicals, chemicals that potentially could be produced from major biorefinery platforms (syngas, biogas, sugars, oils, algae, organic solution, lignin, pyrolysis-oil), market growth predictions for the production of bio-based chemicals, economic benefits of co-producing bioenergy and bio-based chemicals, and an overview of commercial and near market bio-based chemicals (C1-C6, Cn). The purpose of the report is to provide an unbiased, authoritative statement aimed at stakeholders from the agro-sector, industry, SMEs, policy makers, and NGOs.
Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil-based econom... more Around the world, significant able steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil-based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realization of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost-effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc.). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products could generate US$10–15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com.
SUMMARY
Around the world significant steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil based econ... more SUMMARY Around the world significant steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. The transition to a bio-based economy has multiple drivers: • the need to develop an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable global economy, • the anticipation that oil, gas, coal and phosphorus will reach peak production in the not too distant future and that prices will climb, • the desire of many countries to reduce an over dependency on fossil fuel imports, so the need for countries to diversify their energy sources, • the global issue of climate change and the need to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and • the need to stimulate regional and rural development. One of the key institutions to accommodate this transition is the IEA Bioenergy Implementation Agreement. Within IEA Bioenergy, Task 42 specifically focuses on Biorefineries; e.g. the co-production of fuels, chemicals, (combined heat &) power and materials from biomass. A key factor in the realisation of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure. Although global bio-based chemical and polymer production is estimated to be around 50 million tonnes, the historic low price of fossil feedstocks together with optimized production processes has restricted commercial production of bio-based products. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fibre products, starch derivatives, etc). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products could generate US$ 10-15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. Within IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefinery” a biorefinery classification method for biorefinery systems was developed. This classification approach relies on four main features which are able to classify and describe a biorefinery system: 1. Platforms (e.g. core intermediates such as C5 -C6 carbohydrates, syngas, lignin, pyrolytic liquid) 2. Products (e.g. energy carriers, chemicals and material products) 3. Feedstock (i.e. biomass, from dedicated production or residues from forestry, agriculture, aquaculture and other industry and domestic sources) 4. Processes (e.g. thermochemical, chemical, biochemical and mechanical processes) The platforms are the most important feature in this classification approach: they are key intermediates between raw materials and final products, and can be used to link different biorefinery concepts and target markets. The platforms range from single carbon molecules such as biogas and syngas to a mixed 5 and 6 carbon carbohydrates stream derived from hemicelluloses, 6 carbon carbohydrates derived from starch, sucrose (sugar) or cellulose, lignin, oils (plant-based or algal), organic solutions from grasses and pyrolytic liquids. These primary platforms can be converted to wide range of marketable products using mixtures of thermal, biological and chemical processes. In this report a direct link is made between the different platforms and the resulting bio-based chemicals. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This report highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programmes. The report introduces companies actively developing bio-based chemicals and polymers and provides Information on potential greenhouse gas emissions savings and how the co-production of bio-based chemicals with biofuels can influence the economics of biofuels production.
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- Key drivers: past, present, future
- Opportunities for further growth and hurdles
- Attributes of new AD systems
- Suggested actions
Papers by Maria Wellisch
The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based
building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc.). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products
could generate US$10–15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry
investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com.
- Key drivers: past, present, future
- Opportunities for further growth and hurdles
- Attributes of new AD systems
- Suggested actions
The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery, there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based
building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fiber products, starch derivatives, etc.). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products
could generate US$10–15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry
investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefineries.com.
Around the world significant steps are being taken to move from today’s fossil based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. The transition to a bio-based economy has multiple drivers:
• the need to develop an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable global economy,
• the anticipation that oil, gas, coal and phosphorus will reach peak production in the not too distant future and that prices will climb,
• the desire of many countries to reduce an over dependency on fossil fuel imports, so the need for countries to diversify their energy sources,
• the global issue of climate change and the need to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
• the need to stimulate regional and rural development.
One of the key institutions to accommodate this transition is the IEA Bioenergy Implementation Agreement. Within IEA Bioenergy, Task 42 specifically focuses on Biorefineries; e.g. the co-production of fuels, chemicals, (combined heat &) power and materials from biomass. A key factor in the realisation of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefinery systems allowing highly efficient and cost effective processing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastructure.
Although global bio-based chemical and polymer production is estimated to be around 50 million tonnes, the historic low price of fossil feedstocks together with optimized production processes has restricted commercial production of bio-based products. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefinery there are significant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fibre products, starch derivatives, etc). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based products could generate US$ 10-15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry.
Within IEA Bioenergy Task 42 “Biorefinery” a biorefinery classification method for biorefinery systems was developed. This classification approach relies on four main features which are able to classify and describe a biorefinery system:
1. Platforms (e.g. core intermediates such as C5 -C6 carbohydrates, syngas, lignin, pyrolytic liquid)
2. Products (e.g. energy carriers, chemicals and material products)
3. Feedstock (i.e. biomass, from dedicated production or residues from forestry, agriculture, aquaculture and other industry and domestic sources)
4. Processes (e.g. thermochemical, chemical, biochemical and mechanical processes)
The platforms are the most important feature in this classification approach: they are key intermediates between raw materials and final products, and can be used to link different biorefinery concepts and target markets.
The platforms range from single carbon molecules such as biogas and syngas to a mixed 5 and 6 carbon carbohydrates stream derived from hemicelluloses, 6 carbon carbohydrates derived from starch, sucrose (sugar) or cellulose, lignin, oils (plant-based or algal), organic solutions from grasses and pyrolytic liquids. These primary platforms can be converted to wide range of marketable products using mixtures of thermal, biological and chemical processes. In this report a direct link is made between the different platforms and the resulting bio-based chemicals.
The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co-production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the necessary added value. This report highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefinery ‘value added products’. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have significant industry investment in development and demonstration programmes. The report introduces companies actively developing bio-based chemicals and polymers and provides Information on potential greenhouse gas emissions savings and how the co-production of bio-based chemicals with biofuels can influence the economics of biofuels production.