| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Zambello, Isabela U.
;
Vaz, Luisa P.
;
Junqueira, Tassia L.
;
Kubis, Matthew R.
;
Lynd, Lee R.
Total Authors: 5
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | RENEWABLE ENERGY; v. 259, p. 8-pg., 2025-12-24. |
| Abstract | |
Cellulosic biofuels offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and a means to mitigate climate change. Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) featuring engineered thermophilic bacteria, combined with mechanical disruption during fermentation (cotreatment), has potential to lower production costs compared to featuring thermochemical pretreatment and added cellulase. A techno-economic analysis was conducted (230 million L ethanol/year) from sugarcane bagasse and straw at stand-alone facilities generating electricity from residues. Three scenarios were evaluated: Conventional, featuring hydrothermal pretreatment, fungal cellulase, and yeast fermentation (current commercial standard); Mid-term CBP, relying on bagasse solubilization without pretreatment or cotreatment; and Mature CBP, incorporating cotreatment but no pretreatment. Results for these scenarios in this order were: fixed capital investment (CapEx) $589M, $658M, and $472M; net annual revenue (EBITDA) $56M, $96M, and $94M; and minimum ethanol selling price 0.73, 0.61, and 0.48 US$/L. Payback periods were 10.5, 6.9, and 5.1 years, while all scenarios showed <5 years at European prices for scales >100M L/year. Sensitivity and risk analysis highlighted ethanol price as the most critical variable. It is notable that Mid-term CBP had shorter payback times and better overall economic feasibility compared to Conventional. Our results underscore opportunities for research-driven innovation on low-cost cellulosic ethanol technologies in Brazil and elsewhere. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/05398-9 - Fermentation of Lignocellulose by Thermophilic Bacteria at High Solids Concentration: Diagnostic Experiments Aimed at Identifying Factors that Diminish Performance at High Solids |
| Grantee: | Isabela Uematsu Zambello |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct) |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/25682-0 - Advanced Second Generation Biofuels Laboratory |
| Grantee: | Lee Howard Lynd |
| Support Opportunities: | Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - SPEC |