Return of investment and profitability analysis of bio-fuels production using a modeling approach

• Evaluated the return of investment and profitability of a bio-gasification facility.
• Determined most sensitive cost factors related to profitability of a bio-gasifier.
• Making bio-products from bio-gasification was profitable with higher capacity.
• Showed greater profitability of a facility if operated at two or three shifts.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the return of investment and profitability of a bio-gasification facility using a modeling method. Based on preliminary market analysis, the results determined that the power facilities driven by biomass gasifiers could be profitable if they consider the most sensitive cost factors such as labor, project investment, and feedstock supply. The result showed that economic feasibility of bio-gasification facility can significantly affect by its production capacity and operating modes (one shift, two shifts, or three shifts). The cost analysis modeling approach developed in this study could be a good approach for economic analysis of bio-syngas and bio-fuel products. In addition, this study demonstrated a unique modeling approach to analyze return of investment and profitability of biofuels production.