Discovering the potential of biorefineries

category
Bio-economy
language
ENG
price
Free

Course Description

Climate change, socioeconomical pressures, and new policy and legislation are driving a decarbonization process across industries, with a critical shift from a fossil-based economy toward a biomass-based one. The new paradigm implies not only a gradual phasing out of fossil fuels as a source of energy, but also a move away from crude oil as a source of platform chemicals, polymers, drugs, solvents and many other critical materials, and consumer goods that are ubiquitous in our everyday life. A biorefinery is a facility that integrates various biomass conversion processes to produce a range of bio-based products, including biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.

Actually, the concept of a biorefinery is analogous to a conventional petroleum refinery but focuses on utilizing renewable biological resources, such as plant biomass, agricultural residues, and other organic materials, as feedstocks instead of fossil fuels. The primary goal of a biorefinery is to maximize the efficient use of biomass resources, minimize waste, and generate sustainable products.

Biorefineries can play important role in the development of a more sustainable and bio-based economy, providing an innovative approach to resource utilization and reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional industrial processes. The evolution of biorefinery technologies continues to contribute to advancements in the field of bio-based products and renewable energy.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge (after the completion of this LU, the learner will)

  1. Describe the concept and principles of biorefineries.
  2. Identify various conversion processes and technologies used in biorefineries.
  3. Identify case studies and understand the sustainability considerations involved in the development and implementation of biorefinery systems.

Skills (after the completion of this LU, the learner will be able to)

  1. Analyse and assess the feasibility of different conversion processes and technologies within the biorefinery concept.
  2. Evaluate and select appropriate biomass feedstocks for the biorefinery process.

Competences (After the completion of this LU, the learner will be competent to)

  1. Design and develop sustainable biorefinery systems, considering technologies as well as feedstock availability and composition.

Enumerate and discuss the challenges and integration needs involved in the development of biorefineries.


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