Production of Bioethylene: Technology brief

Bio-ethylene is produced from bio-ethanol, a liquid biofuel widely used in the transportation sector. This technology brief examines the potential for clean bio-ethanol production that can reduce the impact of the chemical industry on the environment.

Ligno-cellulosic biomass from wood and straw can also be used to produce bio-ethanol. This feedstock, in contrast to sugar or starchy biomass (e.g. sugarcane and corn), does not compete with food production and requires less or no arable land and water to be produced.

This brief focuses on three main aspects of bioethylene development:

• Process and Technology Status;
• Performance and Costs;
• Potential and Barriers.

Successive technology briefs have highlighted a wide range of renewable energy solutions. Each brief outlines technical aspects, costs, market potential and barriers, combined with insights for policy makers on how to accelerate the transition to renewables.