Databases for biomass and waste biorefinery - a mini-review and SWOT analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Circular Economy

Background:

• Growing global populations increase resource waste, with biowaste forming a significant portion.
• Biowaste streams offer potential for transformation into valuable products (energy, fuels, chemicals) via biorefinery technologies.
• A circular economy approach utilizing biowaste is crucial for waste reduction and lowering anthropogenic carbon footprints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing European databases on biomass types and biorefinery technologies.
• To propose a framework for a comprehensive database connecting bio-based waste streams, biorefinery technologies, and bioproducts.
• To identify critical data gaps and limitations in current database structures for waste biorefineries.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review of available European databases concerning biomass and biorefinery technologies.
• SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats) methodology applied to assess database utility and identify gaps.
• Analysis of data quality, quantity, and usability for waste biorefinery applications.

Main Results:

• Existing databases are useful but inadequate for waste biorefineries due to limitations in data quality, quantity, and usability.
• Significant gaps exist in underlying data structures required for a comprehensive waste biorefinery database.
• Current data limitations hinder technology development and informed investment and policy decisions.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive or improved database cluster is essential for advancing waste biorefinery technologies.
• The proposed database architecture should enhance scope, content depth, usability, accessibility, and update frequency.
• Incorporating process descriptions, parameters, and technology readiness levels is crucial for a functional database.