Cost estimation of biomass-to-fuel plants producing methanol, dimethylether or hydrogen

A desktop study has been performed to estimate the cost of biomass-to-fuel plants producing methanol, dimethylether (DME) or hydrogen. Two different designs have been distinguished. One design based on the technology of today and one design based on the technology of tomorrow. The investment costs of the near-future design are lower, but the yearly running costs of the near-future design are higher than the present-day design for the same biomass input. In the present-day design the net power demand is lower and more district heat can be sold. The specific production costs (Euro per kg or Euro per GJ) for fuel are lower for the near-future design because of the higher product yield. In this case production costs are 362, 541 and 1817 € t−1 methanol, DME and hydrogen, respectively. Production costs are most sensitive to variations in biomass price and to a lesser extent capital costs. A 50% change in biomass price changes the specific production cost between 20 and 35%. Hydrogen production costs are highly sensitive to sale of district heat. Calculated production costs of dimethylether are competitive with biodiesel.

► Production costs of methanol, DME and hydrogen from biomass are calculated.
► New process units will reduce the specific production costs of the biofuels.
► Hydrogen production costs are highly sensitive to sale of district heat.
► A 50% change in biomass price changes the specific production costs 20 to 35%.
► Calculated production costs of DME are competitive with biodiesel.