Techno-economic analysis of butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass by concentrated acid pretreatment and hydrolysis plus continuous fermentation

A techno-economic analysis was conducted to validate the commercial viability of commercial-scale lignocellulosic bio-butanol production by pretreatment and hydrolysis using concentrated sulfuric acid, and a continuous fermentation. The process was simulated using Aspen Plus (R), and the data was based on the results of laboratory and pilot plant operation, and demonstration plant design. The production cost and minimum butanol selling price (MBSP) for a base case of 40,000 t/y plant capacity and 60 $/t bone dry based feedstock price are determined. In addition, sensitivity analysis on minimum butanol selling price (MBSP) is conducted by changing single parameter of discount cash flow rate of return (DCFROR) and by changing multiple parameters conjoint feedstock price (from 10 to 60 $/t in increments of 10 $/t), plant capacity (from 40,000 to 80,000 $/t in increments of 20,000 t/y), and equity rate (from 20 to 100% in increments of 20%). The MBSP was determined to be 2668 $/t at the base case, and 2139 $/t when capacity is doubled (from 40,000 t/y to 80,000 t/y). Production cost should be reduced approximately 55% in oder to secure commercial viability. This study suggests R&D and business strategies to enhance the commercial viability of lignocellulosic bio-butanol technology.This work was partly supported by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea under the Wastes to Energy Technology Development Program in the R&D Center for Organic Wastes to Energy Business (Project No.: 2013001580001) and by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE), Republic of Korea under the Energy Technology Development Program, study on Development of Optimization for Domestic Application Improvement of E3 Level Transport Biofuels (Project No.: 20163010092160). Further support provided by GS Caltex, Corp., Republic of Korea is appreciated