Lux Research reports harvesting technologies could cut costs by $25 a ton

August 2, 2012 |

In Massachusettes, Lux Research’s report, “Pruning the Cost of Bio-Based Materials and Chemicals” states that harvesting technologies can cut feedstock costs by $25/ton.  According to Lux Research’s model, algae cultivation yields a 48% loss, calling into question its long-term prospects. The problem lies in the high capital costs for growing algae at industrial scale, which amount to $202,000 per hectare.

They also stated that syngas fermentation proven at lab scale or larger include ethanol, butanol, acetic acid, butyric acid, 2,3-butanediol and methane. Leading startups in this domain include ZeaChem, which is collaborating with Procter & Gamble, and LanzaTech.  As regards cellulosic biomass, enzymatic hydrolysis is being commercialized at new facilities like GraalBio’s plant in Brazil, using the latest enzymes from Novozymes and DSM. However, many parts of the process need to improve, including harvesting and/or collecting biomass, which adds $15 per ton, or $0.21 per gallon, in costs.

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