Techno-Economic Analysis: Biomass Pyrolysis

Many industries produce a waste stream in the creation of their primary product.  From nut shells to sawdust, pyrolysis technologies provide environmentally-friendly and profitable solutions for waste management through the creation of value-added products and reduction of disposal costs. Biomass pyrolysis refers to the thermal deconstruction of woody or herbaceous feedstock into pyrolysis oil/bio-oil and a solid bio carbon product.  Techno-economic analysis (TEA) is the evaluation of the technical feasibility and financial viability of a proposed technical project. The techno-economic analysis is generally carried out by a chemical process engineer with relevant experience. For pyrolysis, this may include high-temperature processing, FCC design and operation, and catalysis. A successful TEA requires an expert with proficiency in (and access to) flowsheet simulation software and capital cost estimation software.

A process and biomass system expert will provide an analysis of costs, benefits, risks, and timeframes for your project.  Techno-economic analysis consultants may assist developers with plant design, equipment selection and sizing, and capital and operating cost estimation. They can help developers communicate a technology’s commercial potential to investors and prioritize research areas with respect to economic impact. On the investor side, they may assist with due diligence activities including an independent review of heat & material balances. They can assist in reviewing a new or proposed project, conduct an external independent review of in-house assessments, or provide an objective evaluation of potential investment opportunities.

Large bioeconomy consulting groups have experts in common areas like renewable fuels, biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, biomaterials, biochemicals, and biotechnologies.  But, they also have expertise in a wide variety of specialties like pyrolysis, techno-economic analysis, due diligence, feasibility studies, budgeting, project management, technology assessment, insurance, due diligence, risk management, benchmarking, intellectual property, HAZOP, financial modeling, competitor analysis, and assistance with RIN and Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) matters. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s premier bioeconomy consulting group, with over 150 highly qualified experts serving in all these areas.  Take a look at our experts and the services we provide.  Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full-service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.