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The valorization of glycerol: Economic assessment of an innovative process for the bioconversion of crude glycerol into ethanol and hydrogen

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  • Varrone, C.
  • Liberatore, R.
  • Crescenzi, T.
  • Izzo, G.
  • Wang, A.

Abstract

The worldwide energy demand has been continuously increasing, thus requesting more sustainable alternatives to the rapidly depleting fossil fuels. Therefore, biofuels such as hydrogen, bioethanol and biodiesel are gaining more importance as a renewable and pollution-free solution, which might give a significant contribution to the future energy mix. In recent years, the exponential growth of biodiesel production has led to a glycerol glut, however, according to some authors, crude glycerol might represent a suitable, abundant and low-priced feedstock for fermentation technologies. In this study we performed an energetic and economic assessment of an innovative process, which is under development in our lab, for the bioconversion of crude glycerol into ethanol and hydrogen. Ongoing experiments showed the possibility to reach at least 26g/L of ethanol, together with 9L of hydrogen, in non-sterile conditions and without nutrient supplements. Since kinetics and ethanol concentration need to be further improved, we performed this study with a view to evaluate the possibility of reaching economic viability. Results showed that with 26g/L of ethanol and a retention time as high as 120h, the calculated energy cost would be about 0.019€/kWhth and 0.057€/kWhel, considering the contribution of both, hydrogen and bioethanol. Moreover, bioethanol cost would be as low as 0.21€/L, even without taking into account the possible hydrogen revenues. These results are very promising and suggest that the process has reasonable chances to achieve economic viability, thus deserving further attention. The procedure followed in this work provided a realistic and concrete target to pursue in the future lab experiments, in order to bring this technology closer to the market.

Suggested Citation

  • Varrone, C. & Liberatore, R. & Crescenzi, T. & Izzo, G. & Wang, A., 2013. "The valorization of glycerol: Economic assessment of an innovative process for the bioconversion of crude glycerol into ethanol and hydrogen," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 349-357.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:105:y:2013:i:c:p:349-357
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.01.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Talebian-Kiakalaieh, Amin & Amin, Nor Aishah Saidina & Rajaei, Kourosh & Tarighi, Sara, 2018. "Oxidation of bio-renewable glycerol to value-added chemicals through catalytic and electro-chemical processes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 1347-1379.
    2. Demichelis, Francesca & Fiore, Silvia & Pleissner, Daniel & Venus, Joachim, 2018. "Technical and economic assessment of food waste valorization through a biorefinery chain," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 38-48.
    3. Remón, J. & Arcelus-Arrillaga, P. & García, L. & Arauzo, J., 2018. "Simultaneous production of gaseous and liquid biofuels from the synergetic co-valorisation of bio-oil and crude glycerol in supercritical water," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 2275-2287.
    4. He, Quan (Sophia) & McNutt, Josiah & Yang, Jie, 2017. "Utilization of the residual glycerol from biodiesel production for renewable energy generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 63-76.

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