1. Bioen 2 – Feedstocks
Learning Lab Group Discussions
April 9 -12 2012

2. Introduction to Learning Lab

3. Cellulosic Boom
• 36 Billion by 2022 called for by 2007 Energy Bill
– 15 billion from corn starch
– 5 billion from biodiesel etc
– 16 billion from cellulosic ethanol
• Today there is ~130 corn based ethanol plants in
the United States
• To create the 16 billion gallons per year called for
in the 07 energy bill
• 320 full scale cellulosic ethanol plants
– 50 million gallons per year

4. 50 million gallons
• 50 million gallon per year cellulosic biorefinery
• 70 gal per ton of biomass
– 50 mgy / 70 gal per ton =
715,000 tons of biomass

5. 50 million gallons
• Tons to Acres
• 715,000 tons
• 150 bu yield = ~8000 lbs of stover
• 50% harvest
• = 350,000 acres
200,000 acres of corn York Co
150,000 acres of corn in Seward Co

6. Cellulosic

8. Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery
Milling
Cook-Enzymes
Alpha-Amylase
Dry
Pretreatment
Liquefaction
Evaporation
Lignin
Distillers
Gluco-amylase
Grains
Saccharification
Yeast
Fermentation
Rotory Drying
Distillation
Centrifugation Wet Distillers
Grains
Dehydration
Denaturing

9. Introduction to Learning Lab
• 50 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant
• One dry ton of biomass = 70 gallons of ethanol
• Biomass boiler for heat and power
• 200,000 tons per year for boiler fuel

10. • 50 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol
plant
– One dry ton of biomass = 70 gallons of ethanol
• Biomass boiler for heat and power
• 200,000 tons per year for boiler fuel

11. 50 Million Gallon Biorefinery
• Needs
– Feedstock(s)
– Electricity
– Heat – coal, oil, NG, biomass
– Water
– Roads
– Rail?
– People
– Waste disposal/treatment

12. Bioen 2
• Select up to 4 biomass feedstocks (5 min)
• Estimate the number of acres for each feedstock
needed (10 min)
• Do you have enough acres to supply this? (5 min)
• Discuss potential harvest, storage and transportation
methods (5 min)
• Using budgets in section 2.1, estimate economic
impact (10 min)
• Which federal program is most important to the
economic success of this project and what happens to
the project in year 10 if that program terminates?

13. Bioen 3
• What is the closest water supply to the cellulosic ethanol plant and can it
provide the necessary water to operate the plant upon start up?
• What level of quality must the water be at before it can be used in the
cellulosic conversion process and is the water readily available or will a
water purification plant be needed?
• Is utilization of the available water supply financially feasible?
• Is there enough water to support the cellulosic ethanol plant when mature
and operating at full capacity, and adequately supply current needs of the
surrounding community?
• Can the water supply provide for potential community and other industry
growth and/or manufacturing?
• Cellulosic crop production is generally less harsh on the environment than
some other forms of ethanol feedstocks but what are potential
environmental concerns that may be associated with cellulosic
production?

14. Bioen 4
• Is there a sufficient transportation infrastructure available?
This would include roads, railroad terminals, etc.
• Are the roads accessing the facility capable of supporting
the increased traffic load?
• Is an adequate, cost effective electrical supply available?
• Is there a skilled labor force available to run the plant
without creating hardship for other employers in the area?
• Will it conflict with current or projected uses for the same
feedstock?
• If not additional labor will need to be brought in. Is there
adequate housing available for new community members?
• Is there financial support within the community/region
available to support the venture?

15. Bioen 2
• Select up to 4 biomass feedstocks (5 min)
• Estimate the number of acres for each feedstock
needed (10 min)
• Do you have enough acres to supply this? (5 min)
• Discuss potential harvest, storage and transportation
methods (5 min)
• Using budgets in section 2.1, estimate economic
impact (10 min)
• Which federal program is most important to the
economic success of this project and what happens to
the project in year 10 if that program terminates?