(155a) Innovative developments in simulation-based, techno-economic and sustainability analysis for biofuels and biochemicals

NREL’s Economic, Sustainability, and Market Analysis (ESMA) team utilizes process simulations for conceptual biorefinery designs using Aspen Plus and integrated in-house tools for plant economic analysis. Scope for process simulation-based analysis includes pathways from agricultural, forestry, algae, and waste resources to fuels and chemicals. In support of Department of Energy goals sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the ESMA team continues development of resource conversion pathways with focus on both cost and carbon intensity (CI) of SAF and other products. This presentation will review various analysis approaches, scope of conversion pathways, and recent innovations in process simulation-based analysis by the ESMA team such as policy impact analysis and integration with ancillary carbon mitigation technologies.