Advanced biofuel facilities database – explanations and definitions

This data base features facilities for the production of advanced biofuels for transport; liquid or gaseous

Advanced biofuels

Advanced biofuels are those produced from

Minimum and optional information about facilities

The scope of projects displayed in the map comprises minimum data:

As well as optional data that project owners are asked for:
brief technology description, flow sheets and pictures etc..

Definitions

Type

refers to technology readiness level (TRL)

TRL 1-3 Research

1. basic principles observed
2. technology concept formulated
3. experimental proof of concept

TRL 4-5 Pilot

4. technology validated in lab
5. technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)

In terms of biofuel facilities, this typically means
· facility, which does not operate continuously
· facility not embedded into an entire material logistic chain; only the feasibility of selected technological steps is demonstrated
· the product might not be marketed

TRL 6-7 Demonstration

6. technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
7. system prototype demonstration in operational environment

In terms of biofuel facilities, this typically means
· facility demonstrating the capability of the technology for continuous production (operated mainly continuously)
· the facility is covering the entire production process or embedded into an entire material logistic chain
· the product is being marketed
· facility may not be operated under economical objectives

TRL 8 First-of-a-kind commercial demo

8. system complete and qualified

In terms of biofuel facilities, this typically means
· facility operated under economical objectives
· the product is being marketed

TRL 9 Fully commercial

9. Actual system proven in an operational and competitive environment

 

Technology

refers to conversion technology

Yeast fermentation

Conversion of sugar into alcohols using yeast (or genetically modified yeast) as chemical agent; cellulosic or starch biomass needs to be broken up into sugar molecules prior to fermentation

Anaerobic digestion

Breakdown of biomass by microorganism in the absence of oxygen producing combustible gaseous molecule (hydrogen, methane)

Hydrotreatment

Chemical reaction of vegetable oils, animal-based waste fats, and by-products of vegetable oil refining with hydrogen producing hydrocarbons with properties superior to conventional biodiesel and fossil diesel

Other Technology

e.g. gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis