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Techno-Economic Analysis of 2,3-Butanediol Production from Sugarcane Bagasse
Siddharth Gadkari1, Vivek Narisetty2, Sunil K Maity3
1Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, U.K.
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
|June 9, 2023
Summary
Valorizing sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for 2,3-butanediol (BDO) production is economically viable. A standalone plant utilizing both hemicellulose and cellulose fractions of SCB shows significant profitability.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is an abundant agricultural residue.
- Valorization of SCB offers economic benefits to sugar mills.
- 2,3-butanediol (BDO) is a valuable platform chemical with diverse applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a techno-economic and profitability analysis for fermentative BDO production from SCB.
- To evaluate different biorefinery scenarios for SCB conversion.
- To determine the economic feasibility of BDO production from SCB.
Main Methods:
- Techno-economic analysis of five different plant operation scenarios.
- Profitability assessment including net unit production cost and minimum selling price.
- Sensitivity analysis to identify key economic drivers.
Main Results:
- Net unit production costs for BDO ranged from $1.13 to $2.28/kg across scenarios.
- Minimum selling prices for BDO varied from $1.86 to $3.99/kg.
- Standalone facilities utilizing total carbohydrates (hemicellulose and cellulose) showed a net present value of $72 million.
Conclusions:
- Fermentative BDO production from SCB is economically feasible under various configurations.
- Utilizing only the hemicellulose fraction is viable if the plant is annexed to a sugar mill with free feedstock and utilities.
- Standalone facilities utilizing both fractions offer strong economic potential for BDO production from SCB.
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