Innovations in Bioethanol Production Technologies (SusBioFuel)

The SusBioFuel project aims to carry out break-through science leading to innovations in the central production technologies for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into second generation bioethanol. These central processes include pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation.The project is a Nordic collaboration project comprising central participants from all five Nordic countries.

PFIs main activity in the project is centered around the development of more efficient processes for pretreatment of Nordic lignocellulosic biomass (softwood and straw) by selective removal of lignin using ionic liquids and/or organic solvents.

The focus of the work is to maximize the yield of hydrolysable and fermentable sugars, promote good lignin separation efficiency, minimize the formation of chemicals that inhibit the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, lower energy requirements and reduced capital costs, and to make lignin available for green steam and power production, or alternatively, as a feedstock for green chemical production.The project is financed by Nordic Energy Research’s Top-level Research Initiative.