Techno-economical study of ethanol and biogas from spruce wood by NMMO-pretreatment and rapid fermentation and digestion

► Simulation of ethanol and biogas process from spruce wood was performed by Aspen plus®. ► The economical feasibility of the process was studied by Aspen IPE. ► The results showed that NMMO pretreatment is a cost efficient process. ► Solvent preparation and its recycling showed crucial effects on the process economy. ► The process for 200,000 tons wood per year required M€ 58.3 total capital investment. ► The production cost of ethanol is calculated to be €/l 0.44.