FeedingRefineries: Mapping resources for the bio-transition

The bio-transition will require mass mobilization of biomass for industrial feedstock, of which lignocellulose from agricultural residues is a promising sustainable source. Agricultural lignocellulosic residues (ALR) are available in varying densities across the EU and offer an opportunity to improve environmental outcomes in agriculture as well as in refining. While technologies are emerging, the future demands of industry for ALR are not understood, limiting the ability of biomass intermediaries to develop a supply chain.

This project is a collaboration of Looop, BioGrowth Development (BD), and MNEXT, with the aim to quantify and characterize ALR in the EU and match it to expected demand from the refining industry. The spatial distribution of ALR, as well as the technical requirements of refineries, are critical components to developing a sustainable supply chain. Looop aspires to create circularity between ALRs and industry, and together with the biomass consulting experience of BD have approached MNEXT to leverage their knowledge of biorefinery applications.

The focus of the project is to spatially model ALR availability across the EU and identify locations where mobilizing biomass for biorefining is most feasible according to technical, environmental, and logistical considerations. The one-year collaboration enables sufficient mapping, modeling, and exploration of parameters, with a focus on creating results applicable to a wide range of future scenarios. The project makes use of academic and industry knowledge to both create industry solutions and establish a starting point for further research.

Eindrapportage

The project investigated the limits and effects of replacing fossil feedstocks with agricultural residues to manufacture ethylene in Europe using a spatial model and technology parameterization. As Europe aspires to increase the proportion of biobased plastics and chemicals, the question of biomass supply chains and sustainability becomes relevant. Although agricultural residues are available across Europe, they are not necessarily concentrated near industrial processing sites and their feasibility is thus reliant on transportation. By creating three scenarios this project aimed to answer: how much agricultural residues are available for refining within reasonable transportation limits; how does the addition of intermediate processing sites affect the feasibility of bio-ethylene; and how does this hypothetical supply chain contribute to the transition towards sustainable manufacturing? The results showed that fast pyrolysis conversion of agricultural residues, with some degree of decentralization, could replace between 20-30% of current ethylene production in Europe using available technology. This set-up would necessitate building around 40 large scale pyrolysis facilities and several hundred kilometers of pipeline, as well as the movement of thousands of trucks. Industrial agricultural would see additional income and the possibility of a non-synthetic soil supplement (biochar). Undertaking these investments would put the chemical industry in line with renewable feedstock targets but would fall short of fully transforming either industry.