Feedstock production
The BIOLYFE project demonstrated the production of second generation bioethanol from dedicated energy crops. With this concept, feedstocks are produced reliably and in sufficient amounts in close proximity of the bioethanol production plant which contributes to optimising both GHG and cost efficiency of the whole fuel supply chain.
A limited set of potential feedstock plants was chosen for closer assessment within the BIOLYFE project: Fibre Sorghum (Sorghum sp. hybrids with high cellulose contents), Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus x giganteus hybrid), Giant Reed (Arundo donax), and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). In general, these plants are characterised by high productivity and low need for care, fertiliser input and plant protection.
Within BIOLYFE, plant materials were compared regarding their chemical characteristics. Crop cultivation was implemented at demonstration level (around 25 ha per feedstock plant) in order to compare and optimise the whole feedstock supply chains, including sowing, harvest mechanisation, as well as storage and logistics solutions. The final aim was to provide around 80,000 tons of dry biomass per year to the bioethanol production plant. BIOLYFE Activities included:
- Definition of contract models for feedstock cultivation
- Selection of logistics partners for harvesting and transport
- Optimisation and monitoring of the logistics chain
- Quality management along the feedstock supply chain
