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Publications (10 of 22) Show all publications
Hansson, J., Ahlström, J., Furusjö, E., Lundgren, J. & Nojpanya, P. (2023). COSTS FOR REDUCING GHG EMISSIONS FROM ROAD AND AIR TRANSPORT WITH BIOFUELS AND ELECTROFUELS. In: European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings: . Paper presented at 31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, EUBCE 2023. Bologna, Italy. 5 June 2023 through 8 June 2023 (pp. 368-372). ETA-Florence Renewable Energies
Open this publication in new window or tab >>COSTS FOR REDUCING GHG EMISSIONS FROM ROAD AND AIR TRANSPORT WITH BIOFUELS AND ELECTROFUELS
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2023 (English)In: European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings, ETA-Florence Renewable Energies , 2023, p. 368-372Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The potential future role of different biofuels, hydrogen, and so-called electrofuels/power-to-X (produced by electricity, water, and carbon dioxide, CO2) in different transportation sectors remains uncertain. The CO2 abatement cost, i.e., the cost for reducing a certain amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is central from a societal and business perspective, the latter specifically in the case of an emission reduction obligation system (like in Germany and Sweden). The abatement cost of a specific fuel value chain depends on the production cost and the GHG reduction provided by the fuel. This paper analyses the CO2 abatement costs for different types of biofuels, biomass-based jet fuels and electrofuels for road transport and aviation, relevant for the Swedish and EU context. Since most assessed alternative fuel pathways achieve substantial GHG emission reduction compared to fossil fuels, the fuel production cost is, in general, more important to achieve a low CO2 abatement cost. The estimated CO2 abatement cost ranges from -0.37 to 4.03 SEK/kgCO2 equivalent. Fuels based on waste feedstock, have a relatively low CO2 abatement cost. Fuel pathways based on electricity or electricity and biomass have relatively high CO2 abatement cost. The CO2 abatement cost for lignocellulosic based pathways generally ends up in between. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
ETA-Florence Renewable Energies, 2023
Keywords
Biofuels; Cost benefit analysis; Cost reduction; Emission control; Forestry; Fossil fuels; Gas emissions; Greenhouse gases; Roads and streets; Abatement costs; Aviation fuel; Forest residue; Greenhouse gas; Greenhouse gas emissions; Greenhouses gas; Power; Power-to-x; Production cost; Road transports; Carbon dioxide
National Category
Environmental Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-68048 (URN)2-s2.0-85174598141 (Scopus ID)
Conference
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, EUBCE 2023. Bologna, Italy. 5 June 2023 through 8 June 2023
Available from: 2023-11-23 Created: 2023-11-23 Last updated: 2023-11-23Bibliographically approved
Mesfun, S., Gustafsson, G., Larsson, A., Samavati, M. & Furusjö, E. (2023). Electrification of Biorefinery Concepts for Improved Productivity—Yield, Economic and GHG Performances. Energies, 16(21), Article ID 7436.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Electrification of Biorefinery Concepts for Improved Productivity—Yield, Economic and GHG Performances
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2023 (English)In: Energies, E-ISSN 1996-1073, Vol. 16, no 21, article id 7436Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Demand for biofuels will likely increase, driven by intensifying obligations to decarbonize aviation and maritime sectors. Sustainable biomass is a finite resource, and the forest harvesting level is a topic of ongoing discussions, in relation to biodiversity preservation and the short-term role of forests as carbon sinks. State-of-the-art technologies for converting lignocellulosic feedstock into transportation biofuels achieves a carbon utilization rate ranging from 25% to 50%. Mature technologies like second-generation ethanol and gasification-based processes tend to fall toward the lower end of this spectrum. This study explores how electrification can enhance the carbon efficiency of biorefinery concepts and investigates its impact on energy, economics and greenhouse gas emissions. Results show that electrification increases carbon efficiency from 28% to 123% for gasification processes, from 28% to 45% for second-generation ethanol, and from 50% to 65% for direct liquefaction processes. Biofuels are produced to a cost range 60–140 EUR/MWh-biofuel, depending on the chosen technology pathway, feedstock and electricity prices. Notably, production in electrified biorefineries proves cost-competitive when compared to pure electrofuel (E-fuels) tracks. Depending on the selected technology pathway and the extent of electrification, a reduction in GHG emissions ranging from 75% to 98% is achievable, particularly when powered by a low-carbon electricity mix. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2023
National Category
Environmental Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-67912 (URN)10.3390/en16217436 (DOI)2-s2.0-85176355971 (Scopus ID)
Note

This research was carried out within the collaborative research program Renewable transportation fuels and systems (Förnybara drivmedel och system), Project No. 50452-1. The project has been financed by the Swedish Energy Agency and f3—Swedish Knowledge Centre for Renewable Transportation Fuels. We acknowledge for in kind contribution and expertise from St1, Södra and Vattenfall AB.

Available from: 2023-11-27 Created: 2023-11-27 Last updated: 2023-11-27Bibliographically approved
Argyropoulos, D., Crestini, C., Dahlstrand, C., Furusjö, E., Gioia, C., Jedvert, K., . . . Wimby, M. (2023). Kraft Lignin: A Valuable, Sustainable Resource, Opportunities and Challenges.. ChemSusChem, Article ID e202300492.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Kraft Lignin: A Valuable, Sustainable Resource, Opportunities and Challenges.
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2023 (English)In: ChemSusChem, ISSN 1864-5631, E-ISSN 1864-564X, article id e202300492Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Kraft lignin, a by-product from the production of pulp, is currently incinerated in the recovery boiler during the chemical recovery cycle, generating valuable bioenergy and recycling inorganic chemicals to the pulping process operation. Removing lignin from the black liquor or its gasification lowers the recovery boiler load enabling increased pulp production. During the past ten years, lignin separation technologies have emerged and the interest of the research community to valorize this underutilized resource has been invigorated. The aim of this review is to give (1) a dedicated overview of the kraft process with a focus on the lignin, (2) an overview of applications that are being developed, and (3) a techno-economic and life cycle asseeements of value chains from black liquor to different products. Overall, it is anticipated that this effort will inspire further work for developing and using kraft lignin as a commodity raw material for new applications undeniably promoting pivotal global sustainability concerns.

Keywords
kraft lignin, lignin, recovery, pulping, biofuels, biomaterials
National Category
Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-66159 (URN)10.1002/cssc.202300492 (DOI)37493340 (PubMedID)
Note

AcknowledgementsIn an alphabetical order, DA, & CC thank the Marie Skłodowska-Curiefoundation for funding via the B-Ligzymes Grant Agreement no: 824017,CCthanks Next Generation EU –Progetto ECS00000043 -Programma  Ecosistema  dell’innovazione  “Interconnected  Nord-Est  Innovation  Ecosystem  (iNEST)”, CUP  H43C22000540006;  This  study  was  carried  out  within  the  Interconnected  Nord-Est  Innovation Ecosystem  (iNEST)  and  received  funding  from  the  European  Union  Next-GenerationEU  (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) –MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.5 –D.D. 1058  23/06/2022,  ECS00000043).  This  manuscript  reflects  only  the  authors’  views  and  opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.CH  thanks  the Swedish  Foundation  for  Strategic  Environmental  Research  (Mistra:  project  Mistra STEPS, project number 2014/44);KJ thanks the Swedish Research Council Formas (grant 2022-01943). CP and JSMS thanks the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra: project Mistra  SafeChem,  project  number  2018/11); ES thanks  Marie  Skłodowska-Curie  foundation  for funding.

Available from: 2023-09-07 Created: 2023-09-07 Last updated: 2023-09-07Bibliographically approved
Ahlström, J., Jafri, Y., Wetterlund, E. & Furusjö, E. (2023). Sustainable aviation fuels – Options for negative emissions and high carbon efficiency. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 125, Article ID 103886.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Sustainable aviation fuels – Options for negative emissions and high carbon efficiency
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, ISSN 1750-5836, E-ISSN 1878-0148, Vol. 125, article id 103886Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Mitigating the climate impact from aviation remains one of the tougher challenges in adapting society to fulfill stated climate targets. Long-range aviation cannot be electrified for the foreseeable future and the effects of combusting fuel at high altitude increase the climate impact compared to emissions of green-house gasses only, which further limits the range of sustainable fuel alternatives. We investigate seven different pathways for producing aviation biofuels coupled with either bio-energy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), or bio-energy carbon capture and utilization (BECCU). Both options allow for increased efficiency regarding utilization of feedstock carbon. Our analysis uses process-level carbon- and energy balances, with carbon efficiency, climate impact and levelized cost of production (LCOP) as primary performance indicators. The results show that CCS can achieve a negative carbon footprint for four out of the seven pathways, at a lower cost of GHG reduction than the base process option. Conversely, as a consequence of the electricity-intensive CO2 upgrading process, the CCU option shows less encouraging results with higher production costs, carbon footprints and costs of GHG reduction. Overall, pathways with large amounts of vented CO2, e.g., gasification of black liquor or bark, as well as fermentation of forest residues, reach a low GHG reduction cost for the CCS option. These are also pathways with a larger feedstock and corresponding production potential. Our results enable a differentiated comparison of the suitability of various alternatives for BECCS or BECCU in combination with aviation biofuel production. By quantifying the relative strengths and weaknesses of BECCS and BECCU and by highlighting cost, climate and carbon-efficient pathways, these results can be a source of support for both policymakers and the industry. © 2023 The Author(s)

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier Ltd, 2023
Keywords
Biofuels, Carbon dioxide, Carbon footprint, Cost benefit analysis, Cost reduction, Feedstocks, Forestry, Greenhouse gases, Aviation fuel, Bio-energy, Carbon efficiency, Climate impacts, Climate targets, Combusting fuels, Fuel option, GHG reductions, High carbons, Storage energy, Carbon capture, bioenergy, biofuel, carbon, carbon storage, efficiency measurement, emission, fuel consumption, sustainability, Cost Control, Efficiency, Operating Costs, Processes, Reduction
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-64392 (URN)10.1016/j.ijggc.2023.103886 (DOI)2-s2.0-85152301363 (Scopus ID)
Note

 Correspondence Address: Ahlström, J.; RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden; email: johan.m.ahlstrom@ri.se

Available from: 2023-05-03 Created: 2023-05-03 Last updated: 2023-05-23Bibliographically approved
Hansson, J., Lönnqvist, T., Klintbom, P., Furusjö, E., Holmgren, K. & Trinh, J. (2022). COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS FOR DIFFERENT BIOFUELS AND ELECTROFUELS FROM FOREST RESIDUES-STRATEGIES FOR DROP-IN AND SINGLE MOLECULE FUELS ARE BOTH INTERESTING OPTIONS. In: European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings: . Paper presented at 30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, EUBCE 2022, 9 May 2022 through 12 May 2022 (pp. 333-340). ETA-Florence Renewable Energies
Open this publication in new window or tab >>COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS FOR DIFFERENT BIOFUELS AND ELECTROFUELS FROM FOREST RESIDUES-STRATEGIES FOR DROP-IN AND SINGLE MOLECULE FUELS ARE BOTH INTERESTING OPTIONS
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2022 (English)In: European Biomass Conference and Exhibition Proceedings, ETA-Florence Renewable Energies , 2022, p. 333-340Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

This study compares several forest biomass-based biofuels and some electrofuels, for use in cars and trucks, in terms of economic and climate performance and resource efficiency from a Swedish perspective. Both dropin fuels possible to blend in conventional fuels and single molecule fuels requiring new vehicles and infrastructure are included. Mature costs for feedstock, production, distribution, and vehicles are included. There is no clear winner between drop-in and single-molecular fuels when considering both costs, GHG emissions and resource efficiency, neither for cars nor trucks. For trucks, both single-molecular fuels in the form of methanol and DME (dimethyl ether) and drop-in fuels in the form of diesel based on lignin and from hydropyrolysis perform best (given a process designed to reach high GHG performance). For cars drop-in fuels such as petrol produced from lignin or hydropyrolysis perform well, closely followed by the single molecular fuels methanol, DME and methane and some of the other drop-in fuels. For cars, where electrification is progressing fast, it is reasonable to apply the drop-in fuel strategy. For trucks, either continue with the drop-in fuel strategy or, due to uncertainties linked to new fuel production processes, invest in single molecule fuels such as methanol and DME.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
ETA-Florence Renewable Energies, 2022
Keywords
biofuel, costs, forest residues, greenhouse gases (GHG), lignin, pyrolysis, Alternative fuels, Drops, Efficiency, Forestry, Greenhouse gases, Methanol, Methanol fuels, Molecules, Trucks, Comparative assessment, Forest biomass, Forest residue, Greenhouse gas, Greenhouses gas, Hydropyrolysis, Molecular fuels, Performance efficiency, Resource efficiencies, Single molecule, Biofuels
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-61413 (URN)2-s2.0-85142468081 (Scopus ID)
Conference
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, EUBCE 2022, 9 May 2022 through 12 May 2022
Note

Funding details: Energimyndigheten; Funding text 1: The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from (i) Mistra - the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research via Phase 2 of the Mistra Carbon Exit project and (ii) the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Knowledge Centre for Renewable Transportation Fuels (f3) [Project no. P48357-1 carried out within the collaborative research program Renewable transportation fuels and systems program (Samverkansprogrammet Förnybara drivmedel och system)].

Available from: 2022-12-12 Created: 2022-12-12 Last updated: 2023-10-02Bibliographically approved
Jafri, Y., Ahlström, J., Furusjö, E., Harvey, S., Pettersson, K., Svensson, E. & Wetterlund, E. (2022). Double Yields and Negative Emissions?: Resource, Climate and Cost Efficiencies in Biofuels With Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization. Frontiers in Energy Research, 10, Article ID 797529.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Double Yields and Negative Emissions?: Resource, Climate and Cost Efficiencies in Biofuels With Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization
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2022 (English)In: Frontiers in Energy Research, E-ISSN 2296-598X, Vol. 10, article id 797529Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

As fossil-reliant industries turn to sustainable biomass for energy and material supply, the competition for biogenic carbon is expected to intensify. Using process level carbon and energy balance models, this paper shows how the capture of residual CO2 in conjunction with either permanent storage (CCS) or biofuel production (CCU) benefits fourteen largely residue-based biofuel production pathways. With a few noteworthy exceptions, most pathways have low carbon utilization efficiencies (30–40%) without CCS/U. CCS can double these numbers and deliver negative emission biofuels with GHG footprints below −50 g CO2 eq./MJ for several pathways. Compared to CCS with no revenue from CO2 sequestration, CCU can offer the same efficiency gains at roughly two-third the biofuel production cost (e.g., 99 EUR/MWh vs. 162 EUR/MWh) but the GHG reduction relative to fossil fuels is significantly smaller (18 g CO2 eq./MJ vs. −99 g CO2 eq./MJ). From a combined carbon, cost and climate perspective, although commercial pathways deliver the cheapest biofuels, it is the emerging pathways that provide large-scale carbon-efficient GHG reductions. There is thus some tension between alternatives that are societally best and those that are economically most interesting for investors. Biofuel pathways vent CO2 in both concentrated and dilute streams Capturing both provides the best environomic outcomes. Existing pathways that can deliver low-cost GHG reductions but generate relatively small quantities of CO2 are unlikely to be able to finance the transport infrastructure required for transformative bio-CCS deployment. CCS and CCU are accordingly important tools for simultaneously reducing biogenic carbon wastage and GHG emissions, but to unlock their full benefits in a cost-effective manner, emerging biofuel technology based on the gasification and hydrotreatment of forest residues need to be commercially deployed imminently. Copyright © 2022 Jafri, Ahlström, Furusjö, Harvey, Pettersson, Svensson and Wetterlund.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022
Keywords
BECCS, BECCU, bio-CCS, biofuels, carbon capture, carbon utilization, GHG footprint, negative emissions, Carbon footprint, Competition, Cost effectiveness, Cost reduction, Fossil fuels, Greenhouse gases, Biofuel production, Biogenics, GHG reductions, Negative emission, Resource efficiencies, Carbon dioxide
National Category
Natural Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-60609 (URN)10.3389/fenrg.2022.797529 (DOI)2-s2.0-85128342022 (Scopus ID)
Note

Funding details: Energimyndigheten; Funding text 1: This study is the result of a project carried out within the collaborative research program Renewable transportation fuels and systems (förnybara drivmedel och system), Project no. [P48363-1]. The project has been financed by the Swedish Energy Agency and f3-Swedish Centre for Renewable Transportation Fuels. Economic support from Bio4Energy, a strategic research environment appointed by the Swedish government, is also gratefully acknowledged.

Available from: 2022-10-14 Created: 2022-10-14 Last updated: 2023-05-23Bibliographically approved
Stigsson, C. C., Furusjö, E. & Börjesson, P. (2022). Modelling of an integrated hydrothermal liquefaction, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process for conversion of forest residues into hydrocarbons.. Bioresource Technology, 53, Article ID 126070.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Modelling of an integrated hydrothermal liquefaction, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process for conversion of forest residues into hydrocarbons.
2022 (English)In: Bioresource Technology, ISSN 0960-8524, E-ISSN 1873-2976, Vol. 53, article id 126070Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The aim of this work was to develop a model of an integrated biomass-to-liquid process consisting of hydrothermal liquefaction, evaporation, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process using lignocellulosic forest residues as feedstock to produce hydrocarbons suitable for upgrading into drop-in biofuels. The energy, mass and carbon efficiencies achieved were 35%, 20% and 32%, respectively. The Fischer-Tropsch crude carbon chain length distribution peaked at carbon chain length 10 with a heavy right tail, a profile favorable for upgrading to jet fuel. The life cycle assessment showed high greenhouse gas performance in the Norrbotten coastal area and in Kalmar, both in Sweden. The reduction of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, compared to the fossil fuel comparator and according to the European Union Renewable Energy Directive II, amounted to 85-95% for the Fischer-Tropsch crude produced in Norrbotten, and to 92-97% in Kalmar, depending on transportation distances and feedstock used.

Keywords
Fischer-Tropsch, LCA, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction, process modelling
National Category
Energy Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-57680 (URN)10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126070 (DOI)2-s2.0-85125464133 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-01-07 Created: 2022-01-07 Last updated: 2023-05-16Bibliographically approved
Hardi, F., Furusjö, E., Kirtania, K., Imai, A., Umeki, K. & Yoshikawa, K. (2021). Catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass with K2CO3 for production of gasification feedstock. Biofuels, 12(2), 149-160
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass with K2CO3 for production of gasification feedstock
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2021 (English)In: Biofuels, ISSN 1759-7269, E-ISSN 1759-7277, Vol. 12, no 2, p. 149-160Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The introduction of alkali catalyst during hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) improves conversion and allows the aqueous liquid product to be used as gasification feedstock. This study investigates the effect of reaction temperature (240–300°C), sawdust mass fraction (9.1–25%) and reaction time (0–60 min) during K2CO3-catalytic HTL of pine sawdust. The highest biomass conversion (75.2% carbon conversion and 83.0% mass conversion) was achieved at a reaction temperature of 270°C, 9.1% sawdust mass fraction and 30 min reaction time; meanwhile, the maximum aqueous product (AP) yield (69.0% carbon yield and 73.5% mass yield) was found at a reaction temperature of 300°C, 9.1% sawdust mass fraction and 60 min reaction time. Based on the main experimental results, models for carbon and mass yields of the products were developed according to face-centered central composite design using response surface methodology. Biomass conversion and product yields had a positive correlation with reaction temperature and reaction time, while they had an inverse correlation with sawdust mass fraction. Further investigation of the effects of biomass/water and biomass/K2CO3 ratios revealed that both high water loading and high K2CO3 loading enhanced conversion and AP yield.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021
Keywords
Hydrothermal liquefaction, K2CO3, pine sawdust, response surface methodology, Bioconversion, Carbon, Feedstocks, Gasification, Inverse problems, Liquefaction, Potash, Product design, Surface properties, Central composite designs, Hydrothermal liquefactions, Inverse correlation, Positive correlations, Reaction temperature, Biomass
National Category
Natural Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-52470 (URN)10.1080/17597269.2018.1461521 (DOI)2-s2.0-85046412235 (Scopus ID)
Note

Funding details: Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, STINT; Funding details: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, KAKEN; Funding details: Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, STINT, JA2014-5724; Funding text 1: This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT) through the Japan–Sweden Research Collaboration Program. Flabianus Hardi thanks the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan for a Japanese government scholarship. The contributions of (1) Gustav Haggstro€m from the Lulea University of Technology for support during the commissioning of the batch reactor; (2) Dr. Akiko Nakagawa-Izumi from the University of Tsukuba and Dai Xin from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, for lignocellulosic analysis; and (3) Prof. Hirofumi Hinode from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, for ICP-AES analysis support, are deeply appreciated.; Funding text 2: This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS); Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT, grant number JA2014-5724); Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan.

Available from: 2021-02-18 Created: 2021-02-18 Last updated: 2023-05-16Bibliographically approved
Jafri, Y., Wetterlund, E., Mesfun, S., Rådberg, H., Mossberg, J., Hulteberg, C. & Furusjö, E. (2020). Combining expansion in pulp capacity with production of sustainable biofuels – Techno-economic and greenhouse gas emissions assessment of drop-in fuels from black liquor part-streams. Applied Energy, 279, Article ID 115879.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Combining expansion in pulp capacity with production of sustainable biofuels – Techno-economic and greenhouse gas emissions assessment of drop-in fuels from black liquor part-streams
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2020 (English)In: Applied Energy, ISSN 0306-2619, E-ISSN 1872-9118, Vol. 279, article id 115879Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Drop-in biofuels from forest by-products such as black liquor can help deliver deep reductions in transport greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels in our vehicle fleet. Black liquor is produced at pulp mills that can increase their pulping capacity by upgrading some of it to drop-in biofuels but this is not well-studied. We evaluate the techno-economic and greenhouse gas performance of five drop-in biofuel pathways based on BL lignin separation with hydrotreatment or black liquor gasification with catalytic synthesis. We also assess how integrated biofuel production impacts different types of pulp mills and a petroleum refinery by using energy and material balances assembled from experimental data supplemented by expert input. Our results indicate that drop-in biofuels from black liquor part-streams can be produced for ~80 EUR2017/MWh, which puts black liquor on the same footing (or better) as comparable forest residue-based alternatives. The best pathways in both production routes have comparable costs and their principal biofuel products (petrol for black liquor gasification and diesel for lignin hydrotreatment) complement each other. All pathways surpass European Union's sustainability criteria for greenhouse gas savings from new plants. Supplementing black liquor with pyrolysis oil or electrolysis hydrogen can improve biofuel production potentials and feedstock diversity, but better economic performance does not accompany these benefits. Fossil hydrogen represents the cheaper option for lignin hydrotreatment by some margin, but greenhouse gas savings from renewable hydrogen are nearly twice as great. Research on lignin upgrading in industrial conditions is recommended for reducing the presently significant performance uncertainties. © 2020 The Authors

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier Ltd, 2020
Keywords
Biofuels, Black liquor, Gasification, Hydrotreatment, Lignin, Pulp, Drops, Fleet operations, Forestry, Fossil fuels, Gas emissions, Gasoline, Greenhouse gases, Industrial research, Petroleum refineries, Biofuel production, Black liquor gasification, Catalytic synthesis, Economic performance, Industrial conditions, Material balance, Renewable hydrogens, Sustainability criteria, biofuel, economic analysis, electrokinesis, energy conservation, greenhouse gas, hydrogen, pyrolysis, sustainability
National Category
Natural Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-49466 (URN)10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115879 (DOI)2-s2.0-85091666946 (Scopus ID)
Note

Funding details: Energimyndigheten; Funding text 1: This work was supported by the Swedish Energy Agency , f3 – Swedish Knowledge Centre for Renewable Transportation Fuels, and Bio4Energy .

Available from: 2020-10-21 Created: 2020-10-21 Last updated: 2023-05-22Bibliographically approved
Bach-Oller, A., Furusjö, E. & Umeki, K. (2019). Effect of potassium impregnation on the emission of tar and soot from biomass gasification. In: Energy Procedia: . Paper presented at 10th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE2018), 22-25 August 2018, Hong Kong, China (pp. 619-624). Elsevier, 1458
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Effect of potassium impregnation on the emission of tar and soot from biomass gasification
2019 (English)In: Energy Procedia, Elsevier, 2019, Vol. 1458, p. 619-624Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Entrained flow gasification of biomass has the potential to generate synthesis gas as a source of renewable chemicals, electricity, and heat. Nonetheless, formation of tar and soot is a major challenge for continuous operation due to the problems they cause at downstream of the gasifier. Our previous studies showed the addition of alkali in the fuel can bring significant suppression of such undesirable products.

The present work investigated, in a drop tube furnace, the effect of potassium on tar and soot formation (as well as on its intermediates) for three different types of fuels: an ash lean stemwood, a calcium rich bark and a silicon rich straw. The study focused on an optimal method for impregnating the biomass with potassium. Experiments were conducted for different impregnation methods; wet impregnation, spray impregnation, and solid mixing to investigate different levels of contact between the fuel and the potassium.

Potassium was shown to catalyze both homogenous and heterogeneous reactions. Wet and spray impregnation had similar effects on heterogeneous reactions (in char conversion) indicating that there was an efficient molecular contact between the potassium and the organic matrix even if potassium was in the form of precipitated salts at a micrometer scale. On the other hand, potassium in the gas phase led to much lower yields of C2 hydrocarbons, heavy tars and soot. These results revealed that potassium shifted the pathways related to tar and soot formation, reducing the likelihood of carbon to end up as soot and heavy tars by favouring the formation of lighter compounds such as benzene. A moderate interaction between the added potassium and the inherent ash forming elements were also observed: Potassium had a smaller effect when the fuel was naturally rich in silicon.

The combined results open the door to a gasification process that incorporates recirculation of naturally occurring potassium to improve entrained flow gasification of biomass.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2019
Keywords
Biomass, gasification, tar, soot, alkali catalyst, potassium
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-38313 (URN)10.1016/j.egypro.2019.01.164 (DOI)2-s2.0-85063896427 (Scopus ID)
Conference
10th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE2018), 22-25 August 2018, Hong Kong, China
Available from: 2019-04-04 Created: 2019-04-04 Last updated: 2023-05-16Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-1806-4187

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