Decarbonisation Technology - November 2024 Issue

• Diversity in product types: Biomass may not always produce chemicals and materials at the same scale and cost as crude oil and natural gas. While biomass can lead to innovative products, such as bioplastics and biosolvents, these products may differ in chemical properties and market demand. The integration of biomass often results in the production of different substances compared to traditional petrochemical processes, necessitating adjustments in product formulation and refining processes. It is anticipated that an increased displacement of petrochemicals by bio- based products will lead to the introduction of various plastics, such as polyethylene furanoate, as a substitute for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ( Zhang & Deng, 2015 ). Similarly, d-limonene and Cyrene serve as bio-preferred alternatives to petrochemical solvents. • Technological compatibility: Integrating new biomass conversion technologies like pyrolysis or gasification into existing refinery infrastructure requires ensuring that these technologies interact seamlessly with traditional processes. Additionally, scale-up challenges arise when transitioning from laboratory-scale biomass processes to industrial-scale operations. Consistent, economically viable production at larger scales demands precise engineering and operational adjustments. Investment costs are substantial, as retrofitting existing refineries for biomass integration can be costly. Securing funding for these modifications is a persistent challenge. Infrastructure adaptation is needed to accommodate the unique characteristics of biomass, including ensuring resistance to corrosion and optimising materials for new feedstock types. Logistical challenges include managing the procurement, transport, and storage of biomass feedstocks on a large scale, which requires efficient supply chain systems. Public perception and acceptance of biomass integration also play a role; factors like land use, resource competition, and environmental impacts influence public support. Regulatory compliance involves adhering to stringent environmental and safety standards, which necessitates ongoing monitoring and adjustments. • Assurance and certification processes: The diversity of biofeedstocks and their integration with conventional refinery and petrochemical

processes also pose the issue of assurance. This necessitates a certification process, which provides assurance throughout the supply chain that the products purchased, whether as intermediates for further processing or as finished products, are from sustainable sources and meet regulatory requirements for renewable fuels and chemicals ( ISCC, 2024 ). Collaboration among industry stakeholders, international agencies, policymakers, and researchers is vital to develop solutions that effectively address these challenges. Life-cycle emission reduction Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical tool for evaluating the environmental impact of biomass integration. Unlike fossil fuels, which release carbon that has been sequestered for millions of years, biomass feedstocks such as agricultural residues, forestry byproducts, and algae absorb CO₂ during their growth phases. This biogenic CC offsets the emissions produced during the conversion processes, creating a more balanced carbon cycle. For instance, the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass can result in much lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than conventional gasoline. Studies indicate that bioethanol can achieve up to a 90% reduction in GHG emissions on a life-cycle basis. Similarly, bioplastics derived from plant starch or vegetable oils exhibit lower emissions throughout their life-cycles compared to their petroleum-based counterparts. Conclusion Integrating biomass feedstocks directly into refineries requires evaluation of feedstock availability and composition, processing biorefineries, which offers sustainability benefits while managing infrastructure and operational risks. The choice depends on a refinery’s capabilities and strategic goals, with both pathways offering distinct advantages and challenges. infrastructure, and commercial viability. Alternatively, refineries can partner with

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Dr Vahide N Mutlu vahide.mutlu@socar.com.tr Başak Tuncer basak.tuncer@socar.com.tr