Low Carbon Ethanol: Carbon Intensity Reduction through Advanced Technologies May 1, 2023 | Jim Lane
By Shrikant Rathi, Executive Director, Praj Americas
Special to The Digest
Ethanol worldwide has played a vital role in replacing fossil fuels in ground transportation. The drive for decarbonization has driven consideration of low carbon bioethanol as a feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and bio-products due to its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Low carbon ethanol is produced using advanced techniques that substantially reduce the amount of process energy consumed, driving down lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. In combination with mechanical vapor recompression (MVR), carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), anaerobic digestion (AD), and combined heat and power (CHP), ethanol provides an unmatchable suite of opportunities ideally suited for serving the needs of a world transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. The development and deployment of low carbon ethanol is a critical step towards achieving a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
There are several reasons why existing producers should prioritize producing low carbon ethanol. First, demand for low carbon ethanol is increasing in the global marketplace as countries and companies look for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and shift towards more sustainable fuel sources. By producing low carbon ethanol, existing producers can position themselves as leaders in the biofuel industry, attracting new customers and investors who are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives and gaining a competitive advantage.
Second, producing low carbon ethanol can help existing producers meet regulatory requirements and meet new demand driven by environmental policy goals, such as carbon intensity reductions, that are becoming more common in worldwide. As more countries set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, producers who fail to contribute to meeting these goals will face both economic penalties and loss of market share.
Finally, producing low carbon ethanol can also be beneficial for existing producer from an economic standpoint, independent of government policy initiatives. Low carbon ethanol producers can increase their margins and diversify their product portfolio which can help them mitigate the impact of volatile