Lignocellulosic biorefineries: The current state of challenges and strategies for efficient commercialization

Zeba Usmani, Minaxi Sharma, Abhishek Kumar Awasthi, Tiit Lukk, Maria G. Tuohy, Liang Gong, Phuong Nguyen-Tri, Alan D. Goddard, Roslyn M. Bill, S. Chandra Nayak, Vijai Kumar Gupta

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

157 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and sustainable feedstock available globally. As a source of the polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicellulose, it can be converted into biofuels and other platform chemicals. This article highlights some important aspects that needs to be focused upon for the commercial development of lignocellulosic biorefineries. Although, lignocellulosic biomass offers clear value in terms of its green advantages and sustainability, there has been very low commercial success at industrial production levels. This can be attributed to a few key factors such as an irregular biomass supply chain, inefficient or complex pre-treatment and saccharification technologies, and scale up challenges leading to high capital and operating expenditures. Moreover, techno-economic studies performed on lignocellulosic biorefineries have revealed that process complexity is the most detrimental factor prohibiting scale-up. Although there have been several research efforts funded both by the public and private sectors, biomass valorization into biofuels and chemicals remains a technical and economical challenge. This review examines the global drivers towards the advancements of lignocellulosic biorefineries, technical and operational challenges for industrialization and future directions towards overcoming them.

Original languageEnglish
Article number111258
JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume148
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biomass valorization
  • Biorefineries
  • Circular bioeconomy
  • Industrialization
  • Lignocellulose
  • Waste to energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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