DIBANET · The Production of Sustainable Diesel-Miscible-Biofuels from the Residues and Wastes of Europe and Latin America

The increasing reliance on imported diesel fuels, in addition to annual increases in the quantities of organic wastes are threats to the EU and Latin America. This project (DIBANET) will combat these threats and help to eliminate diesel imports by developing novel technologies that will allow the sustainable production of diesel miscible biofuels from wastes. It will build on the key, complementary, strengths of researchers and industries of both regions to advance this field. This enhancement of co-operation will ensure that the whole process, from feedstock to process residues, is engineered for maximum efficiency. The links between regions will be further enhanced by the establishment of inter-regional student scholarships; 2 large brokerage events to engage all stakeholders; and a summer school for knowledge transfer. DIBANET will increase the yield from biomass, beyond the current art, of levulinic acid, a valuable platform chemical that can be combined with ethanol to make a diesel fuel. Processes will be advanced to utilise the solid residue that remains after the acid-treatment. From this residue treatment process a bio-oil and biochar will result. The bio-oil will be upgraded to produce a diesel miscible biofuel. The biochar will be examined for use as a soil amender for enhanced biomass yields. Advanced analytical techniques to benefit levulinic acid yields will be developed and employed online to allow real-time adjustment of biomass conversion conditions. All of the fuels produced will be tested to ensure compliance with current fuel requirements.