Integrated biorefinery sources

The remaining lignin that is separated from the sugar stream during the pretreatment process can be used for the production of heat and power, which is done very frequently at the moment nevertheless, it could be used in the future as a source of various aromatic compounds. The effective utilization of all the three components would play a significant role in the economic viability of an integrated biorefinery. General characteristics of this type of biorefinery are listed in Table 1.3. 

The expansion of the market, however, will depend considerably on the possibility of an efficient use of other biomass sources, particularly lignocellulosic-based materials, fast growing dedicated crops, and waste resources. Effective integration of bioethanol production into biorefineries will also be a key aspect in decreasing the price by a better use of all the components of biomass. 

It is thought that this cascade of products could be manufactured in a biorefinery by integrating all the unit operations needed to convert biomass into chemicals. A lot more research is needed, however, to develop the hydrothermolysis process and high-efficiency/low-cost fermentation and acid treatments. An efficient exploitation of lignin (the only naffiral source of aromatic rings) has also to be developed. 

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