Creating an inclusive business model for the production of maritime biofuels from olive residues in Jaén, Spain

Creating an inclusive business model for the production of maritime biofuels from olive residues in Jaén, Spain

Hendriks, Fiona (TU Delft Applied Sciences)

Asveld, L. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Life Science and Technology (LST)

2024-04-19

Biofuels offer the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in merchant ships by up to 90% and can be seamlessly integrated into existing engines as drop-in fuel. Utilising residual biomass sources for biofuel production presents financial and environmental advantages. In Spain's Jaén province, approximately 2,05 million tons of olive residue are annually available, offering a resource for biocrude production through Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL). Biocrude can be subsequently upgraded to biofuel. Additionally, the HTL process yields biochar as a by-product, which holds potential as a soil amendment to combat erosion in olive groves. This thesis focuses on developing a viable, inclusive business model for maritime biofuel production from olive residues in Jaén, Spain, employing the LINK methodology. Three distinct value chain scenarios were evaluated in the initial phase of a two-tier assessment. The analysis revealed that biocrude production either at Jaén's largest secondary mill, San Miguel Arcángel (scenario 1), or at a newly established centralized biorefinery in Úbeda (scenario 2), is more advantageous than establishing a standalone centralized HTL biorefinery for biofuel production (scenario 3). In the second-tier evaluation, the economic, environmental, and social impacts of three value chain implementation options were assessed and compared. These evaluations were integrated and analysed in economic, environmental, and social Business Model Canvasses (BMCs) for the value chain stakeholders. The analysis indicated that while scenarios 1 and 2 marginally contribute to the annual income of olive farmers, they substantially aid in carbon emissions reduction through biochar sequestration, can be used to mitigate olive grove soil erosion and positively impact regional employment opportunities. Scenario 1, with biocrude production at a secondary mill, exhibits greater social benefits due to enhanced smallholder inclusion and autonomy. However, this is counterbalanced by the superior economic and environmental advantages associated with biocrude production at a larger, centralized HTL biorefinery in scenario 2, attributed to economies of scale and reduced local environmental impacts. Recommendations include further research on enhancing smallholder inclusion, exploring the profitability of biocrude production at smaller secondary mills, and conducting a comprehensive financial assessment to ascertain feasibility, profitability, and potential investment avenues.

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Student theses

master thesis

© 2024 Fiona Hendriks