Abstract

The development and implementation of bio-refinery processes is an absolute necessity and the key to meet the vision towards bio-based economy. The EuroBioRef concept is an integrated, sustainable and diversified bio-refinery involving all biomass value chain stakeholders. The latter will allow large-scale research, testing, optimisation and demonstration of processes in the production of a wide range of products with the dual aim to use all fractions of various biomasses and exploit their potential to produce the highest value possible in an eco-efficient and sustainable way. Moreover, the project attempts to overcome the efforts fragmentation of the whole biomass value chain requiring greater networking, coordination and cooperation among a large variety of actors from biochemical and chemical industry, SMEs, scientific knowledge chain, and European organisations. The new concept will adopt a flexible and a modular process design adapted to large- but also small-scale production units easier to install in various European areas. The overall efficiency of this approach will clearly exceed existing pathways and will consider sustainable options in order to: - Produce and use a high diversity of sustainable biomasses adapted for European regions - Produce high specific energy bio-jet fuels (42 MJ/kg) - Produce multiple products (chemicals, polymers, materials) in a flexible and optimised way that take advantage of the differences in biomass components and intermediates - Improve cost-efficiency by 30% through improved reaction and separation effectiveness, reduced capital investments, improved plant and feedstock flexibility, reduction of production time and logistics - Reduce by 30% the energy - Produce zero waste and rationalise use of raw materials The impact of the project in terms of environment, social and economic benefits is important and could give a serious advantage for European bio-industry.