Techno-Economic Analysis of an Integrated Bio-Refinery for the Production of Biofuels and Value-Added Chemicals from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches

Lignocellulose-rich empty fruit bunches (EFBs) have high potential as feedstock for second-generation biofuel and biochemical production without compromising food security. Nevertheless, the major challenge of valorizing lignocellulose-rich EFB is its pretreatment cost. In this study, preliminary techno-economic feasibility expanding an existing pellet plant into integrated bio-refinery to produce xylitol bioethanol was investigated a strategy diversify cost leverage selling price biochemicals. The split stream stream. Different economic performance metrics were used compare profitability at different splitting ratios production. analysis showed that ratio below 40% economically feasible. A sensitivity had most significant impact on metrics. Another case study coproduction versus concluded cellulosic yet be market-ready, requiring minimum above current market feasible 16% acceptable return rate.