Technical and economical evaluation of enhanced biomass to liquid fuel processes

'Enhanced Biomass-to-Liquid' (EBtL) refers to BtL processes (biomass gasification and liquid fuel synthesis) with a significant increase in fuel production by means of external energy inputs. The conversion yield of biomass carbon into fuel carbon is multiplied by a factor of 3 in comparison with existing (autothermal) gasification processes. The technical options of such processes are outlined and evaluated in the paper: the production cost is estimated between 0.7 and 1.2 (sic)/litre diesel. EBtL routes enable a strong increase in biofuel production compared with today biofuel processes (i.e. ethanol plus vegetal oil). They may also be seen as an efficient way to store electricity and hydrogen (produced from processes generating no greenhouse gas emissions) into a liquid fuel made from renewable carbon and compatible with present motor technologies and fuel storage and distribution. In combination with hybrid motors (liquid fuel and electricity), these technologies may offer a realistic alternative to petroleum and help reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.