Demonstration of cost effective advanced biofuel pathways in retrofitted existing industrial installations

Commercialization of advanced biofuels depends on up-scaling of the technologies. The specific challenge is to overcome the high cost and high risk of the installation of industrial plants for advanced biofuels. This challenge is in line with priorities identified in the context of the SET-Plan[1]for commercialization of advanced biofuels.

Scope

Proposals will demonstrate cost-efficient advanced biofuel pathways which improve the economic viability and reduce capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX). This is to be done through retrofitting of existing industrial installations with necessary innovation specific to the proposed advanced biofuel pathway. Proposals will address integration in first generation biofuels sites, in pulp and paper industry or in existing fossil refineries with production of advanced biofuels at a scale of a few thousand tons through upgrading the existing sites with innovative installations. The economic feasibility and other socio-economic benefits including the impact on current first generation sites will be included and clearly demonstrated. Proposals will provide information about the expected CAPEX and OPEX improvements.

Proposals are expected to bring the technology from TRL 5 to 7 (please see part G of the General Annexes).

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between EUR 8 to 10 million would allow this challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact

The supported projects are expected to increase the industrial installed capacity for advanced biofuels. and show the socio-economic benefits.

Cross-cutting Priorities

Socio-economic science and humanities
Clean Energy

[1]https://setis.ec.europa.eu/implementing-integrated-set-plan/renewable-f…