H2020: BBI-RIA: Development of technologies to improve profitability and sustainability in biorefinery operations

This project to develop cutting-edge technologies to improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of pre-treatment stages in biorefinery operations is part of the Bio-based Industries Research and Innovation action ( BBI-2019-SO2-R2) sub-programme of the Horizon 2020 Programme.

The implementation of biorefining concepts at large scales is often affected by the need to achieve a balance between pre-treatment steps and the main conversion phase. The need to obtain high-purity fractions from the starting biomass to be fed into the following steps entails the use of harsh conditions in the pre-treatments. This entails high costs caused by:

(i) energy, water and/or raw materials (e.g. chemicals, enzymes) requirements;

(ii) complexity of operations and maintenance;

(iii) an increase in waste and residues generation;

(iv) increased production of inhibitor compounds that may affect the overall yields of biorefining processes.

On the other hand, soft operating conditions in pre-treatments often result in a lower effectiveness in biomass fractionation, thus directly affecting the yields in the targeted products during conversion phases. Several technologies based on chemical, biochemical, physical processes or a combination of these has shown the potential to provide valuable and sustainable solutions to substitute and/or efficiently integrate pre-treatment processes currently implemented.

Objectives

The specific challenge is to reduce costs and improve sustainability associated with the pre-treatment steps of biomass feedstock while making it possible to achieve of sufficiently high yields in the targeted products in the subsequent conversion steps. Identify and develop cost-effective, efficient and sustainable technologies for biomass pre-treatments, paving the way for feeding the biomass fractions/components obtained after pre-treatments into the subsequent conversion steps. The solutions developed may be based on chemical, biochemical or physical processes, or a combination of these.

Deadline

04th of September de 2019

Documentation

BBI JU Work Plan
BBI JU Scientific Innovation and Research Agenda (SIRA)
BBI JU Derogation to H2020 Rules for Participation
BBI JU Regulation of Establishment
H2020 Regulation of Establishment
H2020 Rules for Participation
H2020 Specific Programme

More information

Funding & tenders Call for proposal