Biomass Refineries

Integrated biomass refineries are an essential component of the bio-based economy and current energy transition efforts. A biorefinery utilizes biomass feedstock to produce a variety of chemicals, fuels, and materials, along with energy. It has been envisioned as being analogous to the petroleum refinery which similarly converts and separates crude oil into a variety of products. As a carbon-based renewable feedstock, biomass offers unique possibilities in comparison to other renewable resources, particularly from the materials and chemicals perspective. Agriculture and forestry sectors are particularly poised to play a role in the development of these biorefineries, leveraged additionally by efforts on decarbonization.

Suggested Reading:

Mandalika, Anurag, et al. “Integrated biorefinery model based on production of furans using open-ended high yield processes.” Green Chemistry 16.5 (2014): 2480-2489.

Mandalika, Anurag, and Troy Runge. “Enabling integrated biorefineries through high-yield conversion of fractionated pentosans into furfural.” Green Chemistry 14.11 (2012): 3175-3184.