Study on lignocellulosic bioethanol production in Serbia-prospects and constraints

Abstract

© 2018 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. All rights reserved. The study aimed to define prospects and constraints of lignocellulosic bioethanol (LCB) production based on corn stover as feedstock in Serbia. It is preformed for plant of annual capacity of 40 and 50 thousand tons of LCB. It was determined that needed corn stover potentials exists, and defined potential risks for the procurement of needed amount. Procedures for stover collection were considered as well as feedstock logistic, and LCB plant location defined. Environmental impact, in terms of GHG emissions for feedstock production, supply, LCB production, was assessed and it was concluded that overall emissions savings are within the defined limits. Performed financial analysis showed that profitability can be obtained only if considerable subsidies are available. This could be changed as result of expected reduction of capital expenses and enzyme costs in the future. As major risk for realization of LCB production were identified: 1. Fluctuation of corn, i.e. Corn stover yields, depending on weather conditions, 2. Readiness of farmers to collect stover, and 3. Lack of mechanization for realization of optimal two-pass collection procedure.