Lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock for energy, fuels, biobased chemicals and materials in Europe An integrated assessment on using biomass resources among different demand sectors

xxThe EU-FP7 project ‘S2Biom’ (http://www.s2biom.eu/) provides support to the delivery of sustainable non-food biomass for energy, fuels and chemicals/materials at local, regional and pan European level, with focus on lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks and their applications. Within Work package 7 of S2Biom an integrated assessment has been carried out on using biomass resources among different demand sectors including energy, fuels, chemicals and materials. Preliminary results indicate that demand for lignocellulosic biomass for chemicals and materials at pan European level in 2020 would be around 1% of the corresponding demand for conventional bioenergy and biofuels, increasing to a few percents in 2030. Key factors affecting this picture are the rate of technology development (both for advanced chemicals/material and for biofuels and bioenergy), the exact shaping of the supporting policy framework, and the future of the (petro)chemical industry in Europe. Besides, the oil price is a strong factor affecting the prospects for biobased chemicals and materials. The assessment has been based on ECN’s Resolve-Biomass model, an analytical least-cost optimization tool that has been expanded to cover both the biobased energy and chemicals sectors. It has been applied to explore several scenarios for the role biomass can play in reaching the EU renewable energy targets in 2020, and in providing a solid base for biobased chemicals. The optimization has been based on criteria such as least cost, most welfare, most GHG avoidance etc. The scenarios defined within this work package have been modelled, followed by the sensitivity analysis, focusing on logistics aspects, fossil fuel prices, biomass prices etc. Next to new biobased technology data, the RESolve Biomass model was also updated with results of an extensive market review for biobased applications, with a focus on chemicals and materials For this review, the focus has been on sectors that can create significant biomass demand, i.e. relatively bulky chemicals markets. For the market analysis 10 product-market combinations (PMCs) were identified as possible significant consumers of biomass resources in the Pan-European area, including C6 and C5 sugars (C6-C5 chemistry: plastics, others), BTX (petrochemical industry), advanced biofuels, and conventional energy. The focus was to quantify the demand for biomass feedstock for these PMCs in 2020 and 2030. The modelling results will be an important component for the development of a roadmap within S2Biom supporting decision making, particularly at Pan-European level, for developing more sustainable and promising long-term options and avoiding lock-in effects to pursue short term goals. Presentation preferences: Oral presentation Target: Scientific & Industrial