3. Development prospects for BTL channels up to 2020

3.1 Issues

As shown in the previous section, the production of second-generation fuels by the indirect thermochemical route requires a complex sequence of conversion and separation steps.

According to various published studies, the material mass yield for the production of second-generation biofuels by the thermochemical route is between 15 and 25% due to losses of the carbon contained in the initial feedstock at various stages of the BTL chain:

• in the roasting step during charge devolatilization;

• in the gasification stage during the combustion required to supply energy to the endothermic reactions producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen;

• during...