biorefinering

Biorefining, or biorefinery, is the integrated processing of biomass into a spectrum of products, including fuels, power, chemicals, and materials. The concept mirrors petroleum refining but uses renewable biological feedstocks. The aim is to maximize value from biomass while improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biomass feedstocks used in biorefineries are diverse and include lignocellulosic residues (such as wood chips and straw), dedicated energy crops, agricultural and food waste, municipal organic waste, and algae. Conversion pathways are typically categorized into biochemical, thermochemical, and chemical processes. Biochemical routes employ enzymes and microorganisms to convert sugars into fuels and value-added chemicals (for example ethanol and lactic acid). Thermochemical routes, including gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal processing, decompose biomass into syngas, bio-oil, or biochar for upgrading. Chemical routes cover catalytic upgrading and other transformation methods to produce platform chemicals and polymers.

Products and system design. Biorefineries aim to cascade resource use, prioritizing high-value chemicals before fuels and recovering energy from residues. Outputs span transportation fuels (such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel), platform chemicals (ethylene derivatives, acetic acid, lactic acid), biopolymers, and process heat or electricity. The integration with waste management enhances resource efficiency and can lower emissions, depending on feedstock and technology choices.

Sustainability and challenges. Economic viability relies on feedstock availability, processing efficiency, and policy support. Life-cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses guide design decisions. Challenges include feedstock logistics, competition with food crops, capital intensity, and ensuring sustainable cultivation practices. Policy frameworks in regions like the European Union, United States, and Brazil influence the deployment of biorefineries.