Techno-Economic Analysis of Bioethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass in China: Dilute-Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Corn Stover

• DOI: 10.3390/en8054096
• Publication Date: 2015-05-08T14:56:41Z
• Authors: Lili Zhao; Xiliang Zhang; Jie Xu; Xunmin Ou; Shiyan Chang; Maorong Wu
• Keywords: Corn stover; Lignocellulosic Biomass; Cellulosic ethanol; Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Lignocellulosic biomass-based ethanol is categorized as 2nd generation bioethanol in the advanced biofuel portfolio. To make sound incentive policy proposals for Chinese government and to develop guidance research development industrialization of technology, paper reports careful techno-economic sensitivity analyses performed estimate current competitiveness identify key components which have greatest impact on its plant-gate price (PGP). Two models were developed research, including Bioethanol PGP Assessment Model (BPAM) Feedstock Cost Estimation (FCEM). Results show that ranges $4.68–$6.05/gal (9,550–12,356 yuan/t). The contribute most include conversion rate cellulose glucose, ratio five-carbon sugars converted ethanol, feedstock cost, enzyme loading, etc. currently unable compete with fossil gasoline, therefore policies are necessary promote development. It suggested consumption tax be exempted, value added (VAT) refunded upon collection, feed-in tariff excess electricity (byproduct) implemented facilitate technology. A minimum direct subsidy $1.20/gal EtOH (2,500 yuan/t EtOH) also proposed consideration.