Analysis and evaluation of energy integration measures in biorefinery clusters in a systems perspective

Research Project, 2016 – 2019

The transition to a resource-efficient bioeconomy will require large investments into industry and infrastructure. With this project, we aim to 1) develop tools for energy measure assessment in biorefinery clusters, 2) increase the awareness about tools and opportunities for energy efficiency measures, 3) contribute to increased energy efficiency among the participating industries. We will base the project on two case studies of forest-based clusters. These represent typical cases where a systems perspective is needed in order to maximize economic and environmental performance. The cases will be analyzed using tools in the form of total site analysis, scenarios and energy- and carbon balance calculations in a life-cycle perspective. Strengths, weaknesses and general applicability of the tools will be discussed and communicated broadly to forest industry and related stakeholders.