Investigating Sustainable Pathways to Valorization of Integrated Biomass and Waste Feedstocks in a Biorefinery

Aim - Evaluate techno-economic and environmental assessments of biomass and waste valorization technologies and processes for integrated biorefining of various feedstocks.

Bioenergy and bio-refined products offer promising solutions to some of the challenges posed by the global climate and environmental crises. Among various biorefinery feedstocks, invasive aquatic plants, and in particular Water Hyacinth, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their mass proliferation throughout sub-tropical regions.

Difficulty in controlling its spread has led to much research in valorisation of the resource as a credible source of bioenergy and high value biomaterials, however significant technical and economic hurdles remain. This project aims to maximise the potential valorisation of Water Hyacinth in an integrated biorefinery, as well as investigating other novel feedstocks.

Implementing the biorefinery at the biomass source can offer renewable energy solutions to nearby communities, which often have limited access to grid electricity and clean fuel for cooking, as well as contributing to economic growth and a cleaner environment. The outcomes from the project will directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 3, 7, 11, and 13.

Objectives - - Investigate various biorefinery feedstock resources and analyse their potential for valorization - Experiment conversion efficiencies, product yield, carbon conversion and process optimisation

- Utilise experimental findings and develop digital models of various biorefining processes with a variety of feedstocks - Integrate LCA and techno-economic models to evaluate optimal productivity and resource circularity

- Model optimised supply chains and propose biorefinery capabilities when integrated with industrial processes and under different conditions