Techno-Economic Analysis of Intermediate Pyrolysis with Solar Drying: A Chilean Case Study

Intermediate pyrolysis can be used to obtain high-quality biofuels from low-value residues such as sewage sludge or digestate. A major obstacle is the high water content of sludgy biomass, which requires an energy-intensive and expensive drying step before pyrolysis. Solar greenhouse efficient sustainable alternative a thermally heated belt dryer. In this study, techno-economic assessment intermediate with solar carried out. Marketable products process are bio-oil, substitute for diesel heating oil, bio-char various possible applications. Chile chosen setting study its 4000 km long extension north south gives opportunity evaluate different locations levels irradiation. It found that results in higher capital investment, but lower fuel costs. Depending on location irradiation, reduce costs by 5–34% compared drying. The break-even price estimated at 300–380 EUR/ton after accounting revenue liquid bio-oil.