Identify the best sources of second-generation sustainable biomass and the best conversion methods to ensure valuable, quality end products. Define concrete value chain models to ensure availability of biobased feedstock.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil resources, the chemical industry must transition to more sustainable feedstocks. Biomass-based alternatives offer a promising path forward—delivering 60–90% lower carbon intensity than fossil-derived counterparts and, in many cases, proving more cost-effective than other low-emissions solutions like Power-to-Chemicals. However, long-term availability and scalability of biomass remain critical challenges.

This project aims to pilot the use of second-generation (2G) biomass—such as agricultural and forestry residues or organic fractions of municipal solid waste—through conversion technologies like gasification or enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. By identifying viable feedstock types, evaluating technical performance, and analyzing the levelized cost of bio-based chemical production via syngas, ethanol, or methanol pathways, the project will provide actionable insights into scaling low-carbon bio-based chemicals.

GLOBAL IMPACT TOPIC: Alternative Carbon Sources

CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS:

Feedstock competition and insufficient supply caused by high demand from competing offtake industries, e.g., aviation, shipping.

RELEVANCE:

  • Increases feedstock supply insecurity
  • Creates procurement complexity (i.e. fragmented supply chains requiring extensive coordination)

Rising biomass feedstock prices driven by cost volatility, supply limitations and increasing demand.

  • Eroding margins and the business case viability
  • Reduces competitiveness of bio-based products versus fossil alternatives

Biomass feedstock quality challenges driven by variability in key characteristics such as moisture, chemical content, etc.

  • Impacts process performance, potentially increasing operating costs (i.e. pre-processing, quality control etc)
  • Impacts end-product quality

Lower technology readiness for certain conversion technologies leading to scale-up risk.

  • Impacts tech deployment, operations & plant economics at scale