Development of a new lignocellulosic sugar production technology (Cellulose-To-Sugar) as a pathway for producing novel liquid low-carbon bioethanol

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels is one of the primary ways to decarbonize the transport sector and decrease global dependence on fossil fuels. While most ethanol is derived from starch-based crops, cellulosic ethanol derived from non-food biomass sources has the potential to provide at least 70% emissions reduction compared to equivalent petroleum-based fuels. Furthermore, the utilization of these biomasses supports rural economies and disadvantaged communities, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Unfortunately, to this day, commercial production of cellulosic ethanol has unmet production and cost limitations that prevent it from being fully adopted. Demonstrating the commercial feasibility of producing bioethanol from non-food biomass and other crop residues is the final goal of the proposed project. Blue Biofuels is developing an innovative technology to produce biofuel from non-food feedstocks in a cost-effective and sustainable way. At the core of our innovation is our Cellulose-to-Sugar process converting cellulose from biomass feedstock into small oligomers through reaction with our catalyst. After final enzymatic conversion to monosaccharides, these sugars are then fermented into bioethanol, which can be further processed into Sustainable Aviation Fuel, also known as biojet kerosene. Work performed in Phase I helped to build and operate a scaled reactor based on our proprietary Cellulose-to-Sugar technology, demonstrating the scalability of the core process. We were able to process above 100 kg of material per hour and run the process continuously for several hours. Other significant Phase I advancements included the discovery of several ways to further optimize Development of a new lignocellulosic sugar production technology (Cellulose-To-Sugar) as a pathway for producing novel liquid low-carbon bioethanol ľ Technical Narrative the process, reduce the costs, and improve efficiency. These accomplishments represent critical milestones in advancing our technology toward commercialization and lay the foundation for further innovation in Phase II. The proposed Phase II effort aims to complete the Phase I Cellulose-to-Sugar pilot system both downstream and upstream, as well as to optimize the core reactor to support a truly continuous and cost-efficient process. Specific technical objectives of Phase II are to upgrade the system to sugarcane bagasse feedstock; scale up the biomass pre-treatment and glucose fermentation processes; enhance the enzymatic reaction; reduce catalyst cost and scale up the lignin separation and catalyst recovery processes; and prepare the conceptual engineering of a demonstration plant for 1 million gallons ethanol per year. The resulting Phase II system prototype reactor will be the first complete cellulose to ethanol system demonstrating the technoeconomic feasibility of obtaining bioethanol from non-food feedstocks. By commercializing advanced biofuel from non-food feedstock, Blue Biofuels can stimulate investment in the bioenergy sector, and bolster the nation's energy independence. The utilization of non-food feedstocks for biofuel production can reduce competition with food crops, thus helping to stabilize food prices and improve food security. Blue Biofuelsĺ technology has the potential to revolutionize the biofuel industry by offering a scalable solution that utilizes abundant, non-expensive, biomass resources.