Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Press juice
Green biomass
(e.g. grass)
Food & feed
Chemicals
Materials
Energy
Press cake
Figure 1.11
Simplified diagram of a green biorefinery.
Green biomass
e.g. grass, clover
Pre-treatment & processing
DGHP
Pressed cake
Juice
Separation
Bioethanol
Tr eatment
Bioethanol
Biogas plant
Residues
Biogas
Figure 1.12
Schematic of the Austrian green biorefinery. Based on [44].
A green biorefinery demonstration plant has recently been set up in Brandenburg
(Germany) and produces high-value proteins, lactic acid and fodder from
20,000 tonnes per year of alfalfa and wild mix grass. In this facility, insulating
material, reinforced composites for production of plastics and biogas for heat and
power are all produced from grass in an integrated process. Another example of
this form of phase III biorefinery is in Austria, where the processing of green
biomass from silage ensures a decentralised and seasonally independent feed-
stock process (see Figure 1.12). A demonstration facility based in Utzenaich cur-
rently produces a range of chemicals (e.g. lactic acid, amino acids) and
fibre-derived products (e.g. animal feed, boards, insulation materials, etc.) as well
as electricity and heat from grass silage.
