Technical, Economic and Environmental (TEE) Assessment of multiple biorefinery pathways: Synthesis of four IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Case Studies.

This report presents a structured framework for assessing biorefinery development under IEA Bioenergy Task 42, focusing on four case studies evaluated with an integrated Technical, Economic and Environmental (TEE) approach:

1. Fast pyrolysis biorefinery (FPBO, steam, electricity)
2. Biogas/biomethane plant coupled with industrial wastewater treatment (LBG, biofertilizer)
3. Lignocellulosic ethanol biorefinery (ethanol, lignin-CHP, vinasse)
4. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery via a bio-isobutene pathway (SAF, ethanol, lignin, fertilizer, feed)

All concepts use residues and waste as feedstocks and are described using the IEA Bioenergy Task 42 classification (feedstock, platform, products, processes). Assessment is based on ISO 14040/44 life cycle principles, EU RED II/III GHG accounting and VDI 6310 classification and evaluation approaches. Across the four cases, overall energy efficiencies are typically in the 80–85% range when all energy outputs and co-products are considered. GHG savings relative to fossil comparators range from roughly 45% (industrial symbiosis/wastewater case) to >90% (optimized lignocellulosic ethanol and SAF pathways). Economic results vary from break-even to clearly positive margins, strongly influenced by feedstock and product prices, co-product valorization and the presence of supporting policy instruments.

The report highlights cross-case insights on feedstock suitability, platform characteristics, co-product integration, technology readiness levels (TRLs), and the role of policy and industrial symbiosis. It concludes with implications for deployment, recommendations for policy and industry, and priorities for future research and data transparency.

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Technical, Economic and Environmental (TEE) Assessment of multiple biorefinery pathways: Synthesis of four IEA Bioenergy Task 42 Case Studies.