Publications
69 results found
De Jong S, Hoefnagels R, Faaij A, et al., 2015, The feasibility of short-term production strategies for renewable jet fuels – a comprehensive techno-economic comparison, Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, Vol: 9, ISSN: 1932-104X
This study compares the short-term economic feasibility of six conversion pathways for renewable jet fuel (RJF) production. The assessment combines (i) a harmonized techno-economic analysis of conversion pathways expected to be certified for use in commercial aviation by 2020, (ii) a pioneer plant analysis taking into account technological immaturity, and (iii) a quantified assessment of the merits of co-producing RJF alongside existing European supply chains in the pulp, wheat ethanol, and beet sugar industries. None of the pathways assessed are able to reach price parity with petroleum-derived jet fuel in the short term. The pioneer plant analysis suggests that the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) pathway is currently the best option; the technology achieves the lowest minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of 29.3 € GJ−1 (1289 € t−1) and the technology is deployed on commercial scale already. In the short term, nth plant analysis shows hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and pyrolysis emerging as promising alternatives, yielding MFSPs of 21.4 € GJ−1 (939 € t−1) and 30.2 € GJ−1 (1326 € t−1), respectively. The pioneer plant analysis shows considerable MFSP increases for producing drop-in fuels using HTL and pyrolysis as both technologies are relatively immature. Hence, further RD&D efforts into these pathways are recommended. Co-production strategies decrease the MFSP by 4–8% compared to greenfield production. Integration of process units and material and energy flows is expected to lead to further cost reductions. As such, co-production can be a particularly useful strategy to progress emerging technologies to commercial scale.
Mawhood RK, Gazis E, Hoefnagels R, et al., 2015, Technological and commercial maturity of aviation biofuels: Emerging options to produce jet from lignocellulosic biomass, 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET 2015)
The aviation sector is responsible for an increasing share of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Wider adoption of aviation biofuels (biojet) is imperative for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions, however it represents a radical departure from the existing technological regime of petroleum-based fuels. Further market deployment will require significant techno-economic breakthroughs, as well as adaptation of the existing supply chains and infrastructure.Although a large number of technologies which have the capability to produce such fuels are being developed, many of these are unlikely to be suitable for EU-based production in the short-term. Biojet production pathways vary considerably in terms of their techno-economic features, with the most highly developed being in the very early stages of commercialisation.In this article, the authors map current development and manufacturing efforts within five emerging biojet technological pathways. The research draws upon a comprehensive review of the international academic and grey literature in order to characterise the pathways according to their technological and commercial maturity, as well as progress towards international certification.By implementing the Fuel Readiness Level (FRL) methodology, the authors provide insights regarding not only the current status of the biojet sector, but also potential opportunities for the short-term development of supply chains in the EU.
Speirs J, McGlade C, Slade R, 2015, Uncertainty in the availability of natural resources: Fossil fuels, critical metals and biomass, Energy Policy, Vol: 87, Pages: 654-664, ISSN: 0301-4215
Energy policies are strongly influenced by resource availability and recoverability estimates. Yet these estimates are often highly uncertain, frequently incommensurable, and regularly contested. This paper explores how the uncertainties surrounding estimates of the availability of fossil fuels, biomass and critical metals are conceptualised and communicated. The contention is that a better understanding of the uncertainties surrounding resource estimates for both conventional and renewable energy resources can contribute to more effective policy decision making in the long term. Two complementary approaches for framing uncertainty are considered in detail: a descriptive typology of uncertainties and a framework that conceptualises uncertainty as alternative states of incomplete knowledge. Both have the potential to be useful analytical and communication tools. For the three resource types considered here we find that data limitations, inconsistent definitions and the use of incommensurable methodologies present a pervasive problem that impedes comparison. Many aspects of resource uncertainty are also not commonly captured in the conventional resource classification schemes. This highlights the need for considerable care when developing and comparing aggregate resource estimates and when using these to inform strategic energy policy decisions.
Slade RB, Bauen A, 2015, Bioenergy resources, Global Energy Issues, Potentials, and Policy Implications, Editors: Ekins, Bradshaw, watson, Publisher: Oxford University Press, Pages: 331-353, ISBN: 9780198719526
The major purpose of this book is to lay out the broad landscape of global energy issues and how they might develop in coming decades.
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross R, 2014, Global bioenergy resources, Nature Climate Change, Vol: 4, Pages: 99-105, ISSN: 1758-678X
Using biomass to provide energy services is a strategically important option for increasing the global uptake of renewable energy. Yet the practicalities of accelerating deployment are mired in controversy over the potential resource conflicts that might occur, particularly over land, water and biodiversity conservation. This calls into question whether policies to promote bioenergy are justified. Here we examine the assumptions on which global bioenergy resource estimates are predicated. We find that there is a disjunct between the evidence that global bioenergy studies can provide and policymakers' desire for estimates that can straightforwardly guide policy targets. We highlight the need for bottom-up assessments informed by empirical studies, experimentation and cross-disciplinary learning to better inform the policy debate.
Monot F, Margeot A, Hahn-Hagerdal B, et al., 2013, The NILE Project - Advances in the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Materials into Ethanol, OIL & GAS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-REVUE D IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES, Vol: 68, Pages: 693-705, ISSN: 1294-4475
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- Citations: 4
Slade R, Bauen A, 2013, Micro-algae cultivation for biofuels: Cost, energy balance, environmental impacts and future prospects, BIOMASS & BIOENERGY, Vol: 53, Pages: 29-38, ISSN: 0961-9534
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- Citations: 585
Slade R, Gross R, 2013, Submission to the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee: Bioenergy call for evidence; May 2013
Slade R, Pisaneschi F, Kaliszczak M, et al., 2013, Cyanoquinoline-based tracers and their interaction with the ABC transporters for the imaging of EGFR in cancer, AACR/SNMMI Conference on State-of-the-Art Molecular Imaging in Cancer Biology and Therapy, Publisher: SOC NUCLEAR MEDICINE INC, Pages: 23-23, ISSN: 0161-5505
Slade R, Bauen A, 2013, Biomass use on a global scale, Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Publisher: Springer
Slade R, 2012, Cellulosic ethanol in Northern Sweden - a case study of economic performance and GHG emissions, Biorefinery: from biomass to chemicals and fuels, Editors: Aresta, Dibenedetto, Dumeignil, Publisher: Walter de Gruyter, Pages: 363-376, ISBN: 9783110260236
slade R, Saunders R, Gross R, et al., 2011, Energy from biomass: the size of the global resource
An assessment of the evidence that biomass can make a major contributio to future energy supply
Slade R, Saunders R, Gross R, et al., 2011, Energy from biomass: the size of the global resource, London, Publisher: UK Energy Research Centre
An assessment of the evidence that biomass can make a major contribution to future energy supply
Contestabile M, Offer GJ, Slade R, et al., 2011, Battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels. Which will be the winner?, Energy and Environmental Science, Vol: 10, Pages: 3754-3772
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross G, 2011, Prioritising the use of biomass resources: conceptualising trade-offs, Proceedings of the bioten conference on biomass, bioenergy and biofuels 2010, Newbury, Publisher: Cplpress, ISBN: 978 1 872691 54 1
This paper reviews metrics used to compare alternative bio-energy pathways and identifies limitations inherent in the way that they are calculated and interpreted. It also looks at how companies and investors approach strategic decisions in the bio-energy area. Bio-energy pathways have physical and economic attributes that can be measured or modelled. These include: the capital cost, operating cost, emissions to air, land and water. Conceptually, comparing alternative pathways is as simple as selecting the attributes and metrics you consider to be most important and ranking the alternative pathways accordingly. At an abstract level there is good agreement about which features of bio-energy pathways are desirable, but there is little agreement about which performance metrics best capture all the relevant information. Between studies there is also a great deal of variation energetic performance and this impedes comparison.Common metrics describe energetic performance, economic performance, environmental performance (emissions, land and water use), and social and ecological performance. Compound metrics may be used to assess multiple attributes simultaneously but their highly aggregate nature may make them difficult to interpret. Insights that may be drawn from the analysis include: • That none of the commonly used metrics capture all pertinent information, and the diversity of bio-energy feedstocks and conversion technologies means that there is unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all best use of biomass. • The option value of individual bio-energy pathways may change if the relative prices of different fuels change. Some bio-energy applications – e.g. second generation biofuels – may be strategically important even if at current prices the cost-per-tonne-of-carbon-saved appears unattractive. • Slavish adherence to a single metric – e.g. the cost-per-tonne-of-carbon-saved – is best avoided.• When deciding upon their strategic dir
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross R, 2011, Estimating bio-energy resource potentials to 2050: Lessons from the UK experience, Energy & Environmental Science, Pages: 2645-2657
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross R, 2010, Prioritising the best use of biomass resources, UKERC/WP/TPA/2010/003
Using biomass to provide energy services is one of the most versatile options for increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the existing system. This report reviews metrics used to compare alternative bio-energy pathways and identifies limitations inherent in the way that they are calculated and interpreted. It also looks at how companies and investors approach strategic decisions in the bio-energy area. Bio-energy pathways have has physical and economic attributes that can be measured or modelled. These include: the capital cost, operating cost, emissions to air, land and water. Conceptually, comparing alternative pathways is as simple as selecting the attributes and metrics you consider to be most important and ranking the alternative pathways accordingly. At an abstract level there is good agreement about which features of bio-energy pathways are desirable, but there is little agreement about which performance metrics best capture all the relevant information about a bio-energy pathway. Between studies there is also a great deal of variation and this impedes comparison.Common metrics describe energetic performance, economic performance, environmental performance (emissions, land and water use), and social and ecological performance. Compound metrics may be used to integrate multiple attributes but their highly aggregate nature may make them difficult to interpret.Insights that may be drawn from the analysis include: • The diversity of bio-energy feedstocks and conversion technologies means that there is unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all best use of biomass. • In seeking to develop a strategic approach to biomass use, none of the commonly used metrics capture all pertinent information. • Not all energy services are equally valuable. Some bio-energy applications – e.g. second generation biofuels – may be strategically important even if at current prices the cost-per-tonne-of-carbon-saved appears unattractive. The option value of
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross R, 2010, Prioritising the best use of biomass resources:conceptualising trade-offs, UKERC website, Publisher: UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), UKERC/WP/TPA/2010/003
Slade R, Bauen A, Gross R, 2010, The UK bio-energy resource base to 2050: estimates, assumptions, and uncertainties, UKERC website, Publisher: UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), UKERC/WP/TPA/2010/002
Slade R, 2010, Prospects for cellulosic ethanol supply-chains in Europe: a techno-economic and environmental assessment
This thesis investigated the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass for use as a transport fuel in Europe. Specifically, it explored the potential that production could be cost effective and environmentally sustainable, and examined the practical options for scale-up and commercialisation. A model that enabled costs and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of alternative supply-chains for ethanol production to be compared was developed, and the factors most important in determining the profitability and GHG emissions of ethanol production identified. The options for scale-up and commercialisation were assessed by identifying common elements in the strategies being pursued by prominent companies and other market actors.The most important cost determinants were found to be the price of feedstocks – primarily determined by location and existing markets, and the value obtained for ethanol – primarily determined by the oil price and policy incentives. Although these factors are highly uncertain, the best performing chains (ethanol produced from softwood and sold as a low percentage blend with gasoline) could ultimately be cost competitive with gasoline without requiring subsidy.The most important determinants of GHG emissions were found to be emissions arising from biomass production and the use of electricity in the conversion process. Indirect land-use-change was identified as an uncertain but potentially significant source of emissions.Corporate interest was found to be driven by the desire to expand upon existing business assets or acumen. Market dominance is expected to come from privileged access to feedstocks and vertical integration. The most credible paths to market (at least in the short term) are considered to be intermediate scale facilities, closely integrated with other industrial processes such as combined heat and power, district heating, or conventional ethanol production.Lignocellulosic ethanol holds promise for cost effective and
Panoutsou C, Slade R, 2010, Biofuels in the UK: a case study of current and emerging feedstocks, Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, Vol: 4, Pages: 1-13
Slade R, Bauen A, Shah N, 2009, The greenhouse gas emissions performance of cellulosic ethanol supply chains in Europe, BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS, Vol: 2
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- Citations: 42
Margeot A, Hahn-Hagerdal B, Edlund M, et al., 2009, New improvements for lignocellulosic ethanol, CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY, Vol: 20, Pages: 372-380, ISSN: 0958-1669
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- Citations: 273
Slade R, 2009, Microbial fermentation: a budding opportunity for investment?, Cleantech Magazine, Vol: 3
Slade R, Panoutsou C, Bauen A, 2009, Reconciling bio-energy policy and delivery in the UK: Will UK policy initiatives lead to increased deployment?, BIOMASS & BIOENERGY, Vol: 33, Pages: 679-688, ISSN: 0961-9534
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- Citations: 23
Slade R, 2009, Cellulosic ethanol: biomass pre-treatment and fractionation, Cleantech Magazine, Vol: 3
Slade R, Shah N, Bauen A, 2009, The commercial performance of cellulosic ethanol supply-chains in Europe, Biotechnology for Biofuels, Vol: 2, ISSN: 1754-6834
BackgroundThe production of fuel-grade ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass resources has the potential to increase biofuel production capacity whilst minimising the negative environmental impacts. These benefits will only be realised if lignocellulosic ethanol production can compete on price with conventional fossil fuels and if it can be produced commercially at scale. This paper focuses on lignocellulosic ethanol production in Europe. The hypothesis is that the eventual cost of production will be determined not only by the performance of the conversion process but by the performance of the entire supply-chain from feedstock production to consumption. To test this, a model for supply-chain cost comparison is developed, the components of representative ethanol supply-chains are described, the factors that are most important in determining the cost and profitability of ethanol production are identified, and a detailed sensitivity analysis is conducted.ResultsThe most important cost determinants are the cost of feedstocks, primarily determined by location and existing markets, and the value obtained for ethanol, primarily determined by the oil price and policy incentives. Both of these factors are highly uncertain. The best performing chains (ethanol produced from softwood and sold as a low percentage blend with gasoline) could ultimately be cost competitive with gasoline without requiring subsidy, but production from straw would generally be less competitive.ConclusionSupply-chain design will play a critical role in determining commercial viability. The importance of feedstock supply highlights the need for location-specific assessments of feedstock availability and price. Similarly, the role of subsidies and policy incentives in creating and sustaining the ethanol market highlights the importance of political engagement and the need to include political risks in investment appraisal. For the supply-chains described here, and with the cost and market parameters sele
Slade R, Bauen A, 2009, Lignocellulosic Ethanol: The Path to Market, 17th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition 2009
The cost effective production of transport fuels from biomass is essential if the EU aspiration to substitute 10% of transport fuels with sustainable alternatives by 2020 is to be met. The hope, voiced by the Parliament’s Industry and Energy Committee, is that at least 40% of the 2020 target will come from second-generation biofuels, and therein lies the challenge: second-generation conversion technologies are not yet commercial. Multiple pathways are being investigated around the globe, but dominant pathways have yet to emerge and business models have yet to be proven. Nevertheless, expectations are running high and there has been significant investment in R&D in the US, Europe and Asia. The production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is commercially and environmentally one of the most promising options, and in 2007 the US Department of Energy (DOE) provided more than US$1 billion toward lignocellulosic ethanol (LE) projects. Their goal was to make the fuel cost competitive at $1.33 per gallon, when deployed at scale, by 2012. The majority of studies also suggest that LE will result in superior greenhouse gas savings compared to ethanol produced from starch.Despite favourable predictions for cost and environmental performance, market deployment requires practical and plausible development paths that are able to support progress from existing small-scale demonstration plant to large industrial installations. Moreover, these development paths must be sufficiently attractive to persuade developers and investors that lignocellulosic ethanol remains an opportunity worth pursuing.
Jablonski S, Pateleoa A, Bauen A, et al., 2008, The potential demand for bioenergy in residential heating applications (bio-heat) in the UK based on a market segment analysis, Biomass and Bioenergy, Vol: 32, Pages: 635-653
How large is the potential demand for bio-heat in the UK? Whilst most research has focused on the supply of biomass for energy production, an understanding of the potential demand is crucial to the uptake of heat from bioenergy. We have designed a systematic framework utilising market segmentation techniques to assess the potential demand for biomass heat in the UK. First, the heat market is divided into relevant segments, characterised in terms of their final energy consumption, technological and fuel supply options. Second, the key technical, economic and organisational factors that affect the uptake of bioenergy in each heat segment are identified, classified and then analysed to reveal which could be strong barriers, which could be surmounted easily, and for which bioenergy heat represents an improvement compared to alternatives. The defined framework is applied to the UK residential sector. We identify provisionally the most promising market segments for bioenergy heat, and their current levels of energy demand. We find that, depending on the assumptions, the present potential demand for bio-heat in the UK residential sector ranges between 3% (conservative estimate) and 31% (optimistic estimate) of the total energy consumed in the heat market.
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