Using techno-economic modelling to determine the minimum cost possible for a microbial palm oil substitute

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Single-cell oils (SCOs) are a potential alternative to traditional crop-based biofuels.
• Techno-economic assessments of SCO production are limited, hindering understanding of their economic viability.
• This study models SCO production using optimal biological and chemical engineering parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the economic feasibility of producing single-cell oils (SCOs) as a biofuel.
• To identify key areas for research and development to improve SCO cost-competitiveness.
• To couple a hypothetical high-yield heterotrophic microbe with an efficient chemical plant design.

Main Methods:

• Development of a detailed techno-economic model for SCO production.
• Simulation of a hypothetical heterotroph with maximal lipid production capabilities.
• Analysis of various scenarios to reduce SCO production costs.

Main Results:

• Base case lipid selling price of $1.81/kg for 8,000 tonnes/year production, reducible to $1.20/kg at 48,000 tonnes/year.
• Scenario analysis indicated potential cost reductions to $0.81/kg by utilizing the whole yeast cell and co-products.
• Continuous extracellular lipid production could lower costs to $0.99/kg.

Conclusions:

• Idealized SCO production models indicate potential cost-competitiveness.
• Key research directions include whole-cell utilization, continuous extracellular lipid production, and biorefineries for co-product generation.
• Focusing on these areas is crucial for achieving economically viable and sustainable microbial oils.