Connecting the Dots to Bankability with Low-Carbon Bio-Hubs for Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals
As the transportation fuel and chemicals sectors are called upon to reduce their reliance on petroleum resources and address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decarbonization, Axens has in response developed a transformative technology, Futurol, that monetizes a wide range of biomass residues. Futurol leads to the production of renewable products such as advanced ethanol, bio-methane, and green electricity. This multi-purpose bio-hub not only converts biogenic carbon, but also presents a compelling business opportunity for investors committed to industry decarbonization.
Setting New Standards in the Fuel and Energy Sectors
Industrial players are facing increasing pressure to adapt their technologies and processes to comply with new environmental regulations. In the U.S., the 2007 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated a certain volume of renewable fuel in transportation fuel. Similarly, the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) aims for a 42.5% minimum share of renewable energy consumption in all sectors by 2030.
An Integrated Bio-Hub for Diverse Biofuels
Axens’ Futurol technology, developed with the expertise of Procéthol 2G and its partners, enables the conversion of biomass into biogenic products. This integrated bio-hub can enable to reduce GHG emissions by up to 90% and potentially become carbon-negative when using biogenic CO2 for storage or further conversion. The technology encompasses biomass feedstock pretreatment, efficient biocatalyst production, enzymatic hydrolysis, high-yield fermentation, distillation, and drying.
Key Advantages for Successful and Bankable Projects
Proven and De-Risked Biomass Pretreatment
The transition from pilot to commercial-scale use of Axens’ Futurol technology has been achieved through the establishment of an industrial-scale demonstration plant in France. This plant has provided comprehensive technical and operational data, offering a de-risked model for future commercial plants. The industrial pretreatment system ensures high efficiency and flexibility in utilizing various biomass feedstocks, maximizing plant uptime and product yields.
Reliable and Efficient Enzyme Biocatalyst Production
Futurol relies on proprietary, high-efficiency enzymes developed by IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN). Onsite production of these biocatalysts within the plant has proven to be the most cost-effective strategy, maximizing the internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value of the business case. This approach shields plant operations from price volatility and ensures smooth operations year-round.
Resilient and Flexible Technology
The technology can convert a wide range of biomass feedstocks, including wood residues, agricultural waste, and energy crops. This flexibility allows for a multi-feedstock supply plan, accommodating variability in composition while utilizing the same configuration and equipment. This resilient model has proven to be attractive to investors and operators considering its long-term project timeframe.
More Reliable Contamination Management
Axens’ Futurol technology effectively manages contamination through integrated features throughout the process. The unique pretreatment step produces stabilized and sterile material, reducing the risk of contamination. The hydrolysis and fermentation steps are configured to minimize susceptibility to contamination, increasing productivity and ensuring a robust business case.
Unique and Cost-Effective Hydrolysis and Fermentation Configuration
The technology employs a “one-pot” process that facilitates the simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass and co-fermentation of C5 and C6 sugars. This configuration minimizes costs by using fewer fermenters and associated equipment, reducing operational expenses and the risk of contamination.
Value Proposition Through Integration with Other Solutions
Futurol is part of a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including waste water treament and biogas production. The integration of these solutions creates a versatile bio-hub capable of producing various high-value products tailored to market demands. Thus, ethanol, being a platform molecule, opens the door to petrochemical molecules (e.g., ethylene) via the dehydration of ethanol (Atol®) to tackle the decarbonization of plastics, for instance. It also enables the production of low-carbon fuels (e.g., dehydration, oligomerization, hydrogenation – Jetanol™) to address hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation
Key Projects Under Development
Advanced Ethanol Bio-Hub in France
Axens is leading a consortium to create the first advanced ethanol bio-hub in France, utilizing wood residues, corn residues as well as miscanthus and other crops. The project has progressed through detail engineering phase.
Mitigating California Wildfires
In collaboration with Allotrope Cellulosic Development Co. LLC, Axens is developing an advanced ethanol bio-hub in California, utilizing local forest thinning materials and agricultural residues to reduce wildfire risks.
Toward Next-Generation Renewable Chemicals
Axens’ Futurol technology opens new avenues for exploring the bio-based economy, including the production of chemicals and plastics from second-generation sugars. This strategic pathway offers significant potential for innovation in renewable chemicals.
Conclusion
Axens’ multi-purpose bio-hub technology addresses various challenges associated with carbon capture and renewable energy production. By converting biogenic carbon into renewable products, it offers a sustainable solution for the energy transition. The technology’s unique de-risking strategy and established industrial licensing track record position it as a reliable solution for decarbonization challenges, attracting investors and stakeholders to socially responsible investments.
By Yvon Bernard, Business Development Manager Renewables and Low Carbon Solutions at Axens
Maria-Paz Esnaola, Regional Sales Manager Europe at Axens