FUTURE BIOFUEL POTENTIAL AND SCOPE FOR LIPID BASED BIODIESEL

Transcription

1 FUTURE BIOFUEL POTENTIAL AND SCOPE FOR LIPID BASED BIODIESEL - Sandip S. Magdum INTRODUCTION The supply of sustainable energy is one of the main challenges that mankind will face over the coming decades, particularly because of the need to address climate change. Biomass can make a substantial contribution to supplying future energy demand in a sustainable way. It is presently the largest global contributor of renewable energy, and has significant potential to expand in the production of heat, electricity, and fuels for transport. The share of bioenergy in the world primary energy mix has shown in figure1. Further deployment of bioenergy, if carefully managed, could provide: Figure 1. Share of bioenergy in the world primary energy mix. (IEA, 2006; and IPCC, 2007) an even larger contribution to global primary energy supply; significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially other environmental benefits; improvements in energy security and trade balances, by substituting imported fossil fuels with domestic biomass; opportunities for economic and social development in rural communities; and scope for using wastes and residues, reducing waste disposal problems, and making better use of resources. ENERGY DEMAND AND POTENTIAL: Technical and sustainable biomass supply potentials and expected demand for biomass (primary energy) based on global energy models and expected total world primary energy demand in 2050 (Figure 2). Current world biomass use and primary energy demand are shown for comparative purposes. Adapted from Dornburg et al. (2008) based on several review studies. Figure 2. Expected total world primary energy demand in Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

2 BIOFUEL Biofuel - bioethanol and biodiesel derived from plants, seem to be an elegant solution to this dilemma because they decrease dependency on fossil fuels and only return recently sequestered carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Nevertheless, the growing demand for biofuel to be produced from crops previously used for food has raised concerns about the long-term economic, environmental and social viability of alternative fuels. The current standards of technology and agricultural output are not sufficient to replace fossil fuels entirely. This challenge can ultimately only be met by new scientific and technological solutions that allow an increase in the production of biofuels without having a negative impact on the environment or food supply. Theoretically, biofuels could be produced from any organic material, but most current biofuels are so-called first-generation fuels based on food crops. However, Second-generation biofuels are derived from cellulose by enzymatic conversion and fermentation. These processes expand the possible sources of fuel to non-edible plants and plant parts, including grass, wood and agricultural residues, such as corn stover or sugar cane bagasse. As most methods of producing second- and thirdgeneration fuels are still unavailable, countries that use biofuels generally rely on various first-generation fuels depending on the domestic climate and agricultural resources. The economics of first-generation biofuels is very much location-specific. WORLD S BIOFUEL DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION STATUS: For economic development, there is a preference for countries to utilize crops that can be grown domestically and import when their own production cannot meet the demand. Most of the five billion gallons of ethanol used in the USA come from domestically grown maize rather than the sugarcane-derived ethanol from Brazil's comparable five billion gallon production although sugar cane yields approximately three times more energy than maize: GJ/hectare compared with 52.5 GJ/hectare, respectively (Figure 3). Europe, which produces approximately 8% of global biodiesel, largely capitalizes on its domestically grown rapeseed, whereas China, India, Egypt, Tanzania and Kenya are expanding their production of jatropha to produce fuel. Figure 3. World s biofuel production status The development status of the main technologies to produce biofuels for transport from biomass is shown in figure 4 Figure 4. Biofuel development status. (Source: E4tech, 2009) 2 Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

3 INDIA S POLICY FOR BIOENERGY DEPLOYMENT: The external costs and benefits of energy production options are not sufficiently reflected in energy prices, an important reason why most bioenergy solutions are not (yet) economically competitive with conventional fossil fuel options. Policy support is therefore essential for almost all bioenergy pathways. The key motivations for bioenergy policy as stated in country summaries and key policy documents shown in table 1. Table 1. Key motivations for bioenergy policy in India. (Source: GBEP 2007) BIOMASS CONVERSION TECHNOLOGIES: There are many bioenergy routes which can be used to convert raw biomass feedstock into a final energy product. Several conversion technologies (Figure 5) have been developed that are adapted to the different physical nature and chemical composition of the feedstock, and to the energy service required (heat, power, transport fuel). Upgrading technologies for biomass feedstocks (e.g. pelletisation, torrefaction, and pyrolysis) are being developed to convert bulky raw biomass into denser and more practical energy carriers for more efficient transport, storage and convenient use in subsequent conversion processes. Figure 5. Schematic view of the wide variety of bioenergy routes. (Source: E4tech, 2009) BIODIESEL: Biodiesel is the most valuable form of renewable energy that can be used directly in any existing, unmodified diesel engine and can be produced from oilseed plants such as rape seeds, sunflower, canola and or Jatropha and microbial lipids. Biodiesel is environmental friendly and ideal for heavily polluted cities. Biodiesel is as biodegradable as salt and produces 80% less carbon dioxide and 100% less sulfur dioxide emissions. It can be used alone or mixed in any ratio with petroleum diesel fuel and it also extends the life of diesel engines. As a by-product the oil cake and glycerol are to be sold to reduce the cost of processing biodiesel to par with the oil price. EU BIODIESEL PRODUCTION IS IN DECLINE: The year 2008 was the best year for biodiesel production in European Union (EU) with the production growth rate increasing by more than 35 percent than previous year In 2009 EU s biodiesel production grew by 17 percent compared to previous year. Why is biodiesel production experiencing such a slowdown in EU? The food vs. fuel debate is certainly one of the main reasons for decrease in production. European Union imports of biodiesel are constantly rising. In 2010 EU imported more than 1.9 million tons of biodiesel. BIODIESEL SCENARIO IN INDIA: As India is deficient in edible oils, non-edible oil is the main choice for producing biodiesel. According to Indian government policy and Indian technology effects, some development works have been carried out with regards to the production of transesterfied non edible oil and its use in biodiesel by units such as Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Tamilnadu Agriculture University Coimbatore and Kumaraguru College of Technology. Indian Oil Corporation has taken up Research and development work to establish the parameters of the production of tranesterified Jatropha Vegetable oil and use of bio diesel in its R&D center at Faridabad. The railway and Indian oil corporation has successfully used 10% blended biodiesel fuel in train running between Amritsar and New Delhi. 3 Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

4 CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE LIPID BASED BIOFUEL: Thus regular practice of oilseed based biodiesel production through the plantation, oil extraction and production of biodiesel are not economically feasible yet. Involved food - fuel conflict, seasonality and fear for diversion from regular agriculture practice makes this biofuel route hard to follow. Biodiesel plays major role in EU plans to reduce the level of carbon emissions emitted by transport but there are many scientists who are worried that the bigger biodiesel production would cause massive deforestation and higher food prices. Producing lipid based biodiesel from biomass has the potential to significantly contribute to the development of second-generation biofuels. There are two different feed-stock sources that can meet the criterion on a sustainable basis and in substantial quantities. First is lignocellulosic biomass such as surplus crop residues that are currently underutilized, including rice and wheat straw, corn stover, and grass straw. This biomass source has also been recently and specifically noted as ethically responsible feedstock sources for biofuels in Science magazine. According to the scenario illustrated in figure 6 lipid based biofuel is produced from variable sources that are available in a given region. Wherever crop residues or even animal wastes are available, lipid can be produced heterotrophically by oleaginous fungi, yeast, bacteria and algae. Some oleaginous organisms have a superior capability utilizing the sugars produced from lignocellulosic materials. Sunlight Sunlight Algae Sugar Biodiesel Biofuel Pretreatment Fungi Mycodiesel Human Use Yeast Aviation fuel Solid and Liquid Organic Waste Bacteria Lipids Other Products Biomass Gasification Intermediate Liquid Fuel Figure 6. Sustainable lipid based biodiesel scenario. Lipid based biodiesel has several inherent advantages that make it a unique candidate to serve as the intermediate feedstock. First, lipid has a similar molecule structure to alkane, and has properties like those common to fossil fuels. Second, lipid based biodiesel has a higher energy density compared with other biofuels such as ethanol or butanol. Third, lipid base biodiesel contains various chain lengths and bond types can function well in a mixture as a fuel, the compositional flexibility making it possible for aggregating the lipids produced from different organisms in the refinery. Microbial fermentation rout of biodiesel production mandates pretreatment of biomass to produce sugar substrates. Human and animal consumption of biomass produces solid and liquid waste, which can be used as substrate to produce biodiesel. The biomass gasification route can also utilize for production of syngas which can be converted in to lipid based liquid fuel. The study of fungal wastewater to produce lipid based mycodiesel has estimated the potential of wastewater to bio-oil synthesis for biodiesel production via fungal (M. circinelloides) route, the 100 m3/day capacity plant having wastewater with similar characteristics can produce kg of bio-oil per day and 200 MLD plant can produce tons of bio-oil per day (Bhanja et al., 2014). Considering the above mentioned 98% saponifiable lipids content with 0.87 ton/m 3 density of biodiesel, the theoretical biodiesel production will be 4.23 gal/day and gal/day with potential worth of $/day and $/day for 100 m 3 /day and 200 MLD plant, respectively (calculation is based on reported B100 price of 2.97 $/gal). 4 Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

5 COST AND PRICES: a) Historical alternative fuel prices from previous reports: The figure 7 illustrate the historical prices for the alternative fuels included in these reports (specifically natural gas, propane, ethanol (E85), and biodiesel) relative to gasoline and diesel. These graphs include prices collected as part of the current Price Report activity, which began in September Natural gas (in GGE), propane, and ethanol (E85) have been graphed against gasoline prices, while natural gas (in DGE) and biodiesel have been graphed against diesel prices. b) Average Price comparisons of conventional fuel and alternative fuel: Overall nationwide average prices for conventional and alternative fuels are shown in Graph. As this illustrates, alternative fuel prices relative to conventional fuels vary, with some (biodiesel) higher fuel. Biodiesel prices are higher than regular diesel. Figure 7. Historical prices for the alternative fuels Figure 8. Average Price comparisons of conventional fuel and alternative fuel c) Illustration of Energy content for fuel: The standard lower heating values for fuels are shown in figure 9. (Transportation Energy Data Book 26) Figure 9. Illustration of Energy content for fuel 5 Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

6 d) Energy Generation BTU/$: Energy Generation by Gasoline, Ethanol, Diesel and Biodiesel per $ spent on them has been shown in figure 10. In the graph, petroleum prices are going to be increase, so Gasoline and Diesel BTU/$ value decreased in future. In case of Ethanol production, there is hope to reduce its production cost, but in comparison, Biodiesel having 35% high heat energy value than Ethanol. In future there is much scope and potential to reduce biodiesel value, so it s BTU/$ value will increase mostly than others. Figure 10. Energy generation comparisons of conventional fuel and alternative fuel e) Current diesel and biodiesel price comparison: In figure 11, comparisons of diesel, oil seed biodiesel, algal biodiesel, current ligno-cellulosic lipid based mycodiesel and aim to produce lipid based biodiesel fuel prices can be analyzed. The lipid based biodiesel would be produced at price 2.5 $/gallon. Figure 11. Price comparisons of diesel and forms of biodiesels with lipid based biodiesel. f) Biodiesel Energy Generation BTU/$: The figure 12 shows, targeted and estimated value of lipid based biodiesel production will reduce up to 2.5$/gallon and this achievement will give higher bio-energy extraction and per $ yield. These data include prices collected as part of the Price Report activity, Figure 12. Energy generation comparisons of conventional fuel and alternative fuel 6 Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum

7 SWOT analysis of Indian Biofuel Market: STRENGTH WEAKNESS OPPORTUNITY THREAT Fast growing economy with investment capacity for large-scale projects Large agricultural sector that produces significant amounts of residues Good infrastructure in regions with high residue potential State initiatives for first-generation and second-generation biofuel promotion, plus public and private funding for second-generation biofuel RD&D Biofuel-specific infrastructure (fuel stations, flex fuel vehicles, etc.) is currently non-existent No experience with second-generation biofuels No additional cropland available for bioenergy crops Smallholders could benefit through co-operatives that organize provision of residues Laws to encourage direct foreign investment that could be favorable for the development of second-generation production Improvement in rural income and employment generation Private investment in biofuel sector Subsidies needed in the short term to promote second-generation biofuels Fossil fuel is subsidized by the state and is thus more competitive than biofuel Bureaucratic hurdles still exist for new projects despite government support initiatives CONCLUSION: Biodiesel is the fastest growing biofuel but from a lower base than ethanol. As Biodiesel production depends on oil based feedstock and land availability even more than bioethanol production. Current cost of production is major issue with considering; current production would cause massive deforestation and higher food prices. Our advanced conceptual processes can hold the potential to increase Biodiesel production, as it can use any second generation feedstock with high energy extraction. The current focus need to be on application of developed technology to utilize cheap biomass and biowaste as feedstock to produce cost effective biodiesel, thus competing economically with petroleum resources. Wide use of biodiesel in India is going to be a reality in the days to come. REFERENCES: Bhanja, A., Minde, G., Magdum, S., & Kalyanraman, V. (2014). Comparative Studies of Oleaginous Fungal Strains (Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma reesei) for Effective Wastewater Treatment and Bio-Oil Production. Biotechnology research international, Dornburg, V., Faaij, A., Langeveld, H., van de Ven, G., Wester, F., van Keulen, H., van Diepen, K., Ros, J., van Vuuren, D., van den Born, G.J., van Oorschot, M., Smout, F., Aiking, H., Londo, M., Mozaffarian, H., Smekens, K., Meeusen, M., Banse, M., Lysen E., and van Egmond, S Biomass Assessment: Assessment of global biomass potentials and their links to food, water, biodiversity, energy demand and economy. Report , January E4tech Internal Analysis, IEA International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook Paris. IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Mitigation of Climate Change. Working group III, Chapter 4 of the 4th Assessment Report. The Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), Future biofuel potential and scope for lipid based biodiesel - Sandip S. Magdum