Method for comparing efficiency and system integration potential for biomass-based fuels production pathways

Biomass are seen as an important resource for fuel production in the maritime and aviation sectors. Sustainable biomass, however, is a limited resource and it is therefore important to utilize it as efficiently as possible. This study developed a modelling frame to compare the performance of various fuel production pathways from lignocellulosic biomass. It considers both the energy efficiencies of the processes and their potential to be integrated into future fossil free energy systems. The model provides a general framework for converting experimental results and process simulation to higher level techno-economic- and life-cycle analysis in a comparable manner. In this study the performance of six technology pathways from three different categories; direct liquefaction, power-to-X, and gas-to-liquid, were evaluated. The results showed that from a socio-economic perspective investment into renewable electricity and hydrogen production were the dominating factors. This resulted in the direct liquefaction options being both the cheapest and most energy efficient while the power-to-X options were the most expensive and less efficient. On the other hand, the extensive use of hydrogen in power-to-X and gas-to-liquid pathways allows for a high utilization of the carbon content in the biomass.