by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 39 group recently published a report that outlines progress on more than 100 advanced biofuel projects under development worldwide. The report, titled “Status of Advanced Biofuels Demonstration Facilities in 2012,” is the second edition published by the group. The first was completed in 2010.
Advanced and cellulosic biofuel technologies have developed significantly since the first version of the report was released. The document points out that production capacity for lignocellulosic biofuels has tripled since 2010, with current capacity reaching approximately 140,000 metric tons of fuel per year. The production capacity of hydrotreating technology has also multiplied, reaching nearly 2.19 million metric tons per year. Still, the industry has faced several challenges, and as expected, some projects have failed.
According to the report, companies around the world are working develop and deploy advanced biofuel technologies that feature different feedstocks, pretreatment methods and conversion technologies. These projects aim to produce a variety of fuels, from cellulosic ethanol to drop-in gasoline or biobased jet fuel.
… (T)he EIA Bioenergy Task 39 group warns that the list of projects may be incomplete, as some companies can be reluctant to share data.
…Several types of projects are included in the scope of the report, including those manufacturing biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass, plant oils, sugar molecules and carbon dioxide feedstocks. Algae biomass projects are not included in the analysis. Regarding conversion technology, the report addresses processes in the research and development, pilot or demonstration phase. Operational commercial-scale projects are not included.
…Of the 71 projects for which data was supplied, 43 were classified as employing a biochemical pathway. A total of 20 feature a thermochemical production pathway, seven use a chemical pathway, and one is flexible, allowing for either a biochemical or thermochemical pathway. As of the close of 2012, 48 of the 71 projects were operational, 9 were listed as under construction with 14 categorized as planned. READ MORE Download report