The transition towards a carbon-neutral economy is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This path to net-zero carbon emissions will involve major alterations from the social, economic, and environmental points of view. In this context, the European Union and its State Members have passed ambitious regulations to become the leader in the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions in all sectors of the economy. From the New Green Deal to the Renewable Energy Directive, the European landscape for refining companies presents some challenges and opportunities. The framework for the energy sector is determined by the increasing demand for renewable electricity for mobility in the long term along with higher consumption of biofuels in the short term.
Regarding opportunities for biofuels, the progressive phase-out of food/feed-competing biofuels (1st generation) will increase the need for advanced biofuels. In fact, the European regulations established specific quotes for the introduction of advanced biofuels based on residual biomasses into the fuel mix. Hence, additional capacity for these biofuels will be required by 2030. However, there are multiple combinations of feedstocks, technologies, and processing schemes for advanced biofuels. Most of them are not completely developed and poses pros and cons. Thus, uncertainty and risks arise for new investments in bio-refining facilities.
Therefore, this paper will review the technology readiness levels for advanced biofuel process technologies, analyzing their integration into existing refineries. Besides technological challenges, this paper will also examine the European supply/demand forecast, the availability of residual biomass, some characteristics of the value-chain biomass-to-biofuels, and some techno-economic considerations.
