Biorefineries

Biorefineries are facilities that convert renewable biomass into a spectrum of products, including fuels, chemicals, materials, and energy. They aim to maximize the value derived from biomass by integrating multiple conversion processes within a single complex, in a manner analogous to petroleum refineries but using biological feedstocks and waste streams. Common feedstocks include lignocellulosic residues (crop residues, wood waste), energy crops, algae, agricultural and industrial residues, and sometimes food-processing byproducts.

Conversion pathways in biorefineries combine biological, chemical, and thermochemical technologies. Pretreatment and fractionation separate biomass into compatible streams; enzymatic hydrolysis or chemical methods release sugars; microbial fermentation or catalytic processes convert sugars and intermediates into fuels and platform chemicals. Upgrading, purification, and energy recovery produce end products such as bioethanol, biodiesel, bio-based solvents, biogas, renewable plastics, and electricity or heat. Some biorefineries are designed to co-produce animal feed, nutrients, or other value-added products to improve overall economics and resource efficiency.

Products and feedstocks vary by region and technology, reflecting local feedstock availability and market demand. Environmental and economic considerations include life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, competition with food supply, and supply-chain logistics. Biorefineries are typically capital-intensive and rely on reliable policy signals, access to diverse feedstocks, and markets for multiple products to achieve economic viability. Ongoing research seeks to expand viable feedstocks, improve conversion efficiency, and further integrate processes to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.