Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this proposal is to elaborate a technical, economic and financial study on integrated bioelectricity/bioethanol/DDG production from Sweet-Sorghum in Italy and China. In fact, a detailed feasibility study is necessary to implement a large RE project on this new integrated concept and to attract investors. Existing commercial technologies will be integrated and applied to three sites: one in Europe (Basilicata, Italy) and two in China (Shandong Province and Inner Mongolia). The work is focused on identifying the plant configuration (from the receipt of the biomass at the plant gate to the products), even if the complete biomass chain (production of the resource, market for the products - ethanol, power, DDG, etc.) will be evaluated. The possible conversion of bioethanol into ETBE will also be considered, in view of bioethanol/ETBE use in polluted urban areas.

Description of work:

The novelty of the project is the integration of agricultural and industrial experience and technologies in a new commercial bioenergy complex. The content of the work in Italy and in China is as follows:

• Selection of the Sweet-Sorghum varieties for South Italy and China for bioethanol production, identification of their respective productivity and sustainable plantation schemes; identification of local market values of sweet-sorghum components, i.e. grain, sugar juice, bagasse
• Identification of a possible configuration for the three bioelectricity/Bioethanol/ DDG complexes as well as the commercial technologies needed
• Identification of the capacity of the plants and the suitable logistics to supply the feedstock for the production of bio-ethanol, heat, power, DDG
• Evaluation of the necessary investments
• Preliminary elaboration of a project-financing plan and analysis of legal aspects
• Evaluation of the marginal-cost of bioethanol and selling value of the different products (in China and in Italy)
• Preliminary environmental impact assessment for the projects
• Analysis of new jobs created and the necessary professional profiles

Expected results and exploitation plans:

• Preservation of the environment, by diminishing fossil fuel consumption, reducing GHG emissions, especially by promoting the use of bio-ethanol for urban areas
• Promotion of sustainable development by the integrated application of modern bioenergy technologies, and contribution to rural development (new jobs, supplementary incomes, etc.)
• Increase of awareness in Europe and China about the possibilities of cost-effective bioethanol production and use as a domestic renewable fuel for transports
• Promotion of EU-China co-operation in terms of know-how and technology transfer and joint ventures in the bioenergy sector, in order to make Community industry more competitive and enhance its presence on these large new markets.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Angela GRASSI / ETA - Energia Trasporti Agricoltura ITALY

Participant

• Wei DONG / Beijing E&E Biomass Development Co. Ltd CHINA
• Harold WOUTERS / Berwin Leighton Paisner BELGIUM
• Mengjie WANG / China Association of Rural Energy Industry CHINA
• Franco GHERI / Consulenze Tecniche Internazionali ITALY
• Luciano CANTAFIO, / Delta T Corporation USA
• Giuliano GRASSI / EUBIA - European Biomass Industry Association BELGIUM
• Tord FJAELLSTROEM / Energidalen I Sollefteaa AB SWEDEN
• Paolo RANALLI / Istituto Sperimentale Per Le Colture Industriali ITALY
• Peter KÖNIG / Siemens AG Power Generation / GERMANY
• Jean CHAPELLE / Sorghum Organisation & Research Group SORGHAL / BELGIUM
• Peter HELM / Wirtschaft Und Infrastruktur GMBH & CO Planungs KG WIP Renewable Energies Division / GERMANY