Biomass Feedstock Resources and Composition, Chapter 6

For an ethanol-from-biomass conversion facility to be successful, attention to the location of high-quality, reliable, low-cost feedstock is of utmost importance. As this technology moves into the marketplace, niche opportunities (primarily centered around low- or negative-cost wastes) will need to be identified. Along with the feedstock cost, reliability needs to be considered. It is importantto completely understand the cycles in the production, transportation, and availability of the feedstock, and locate suitable alternatives for emergencies, and to understand the alternative uses for the feedstock and how they can affect a potential supply. Last but not least, the quality of the feedstock needs to be determined. Is the percentage of important components such as glucan high enoughto consider using it? What is its variability? Are there possible contaminants that could destroy the process? Will there be waste such as ash to contend with? These are just some of the feedstock quality questions that need to be addressed.