Achieving Optimum Performance in Biofuels Production

Rockwell Automation and Endress + Hauser recently discussed the challenges and criteria for the optimisation of biofuels production processes at the World Biofuels Forum in Prague.

Biofuels production, such as biodiesel and bioethanol, is one of the fastest growing segments of the renewable energy industry. The sector has been in the constant public limelight for its potential to replace fossil fuels as a cleaner and cheaper way to help meet the world’s soaring energy needs. Last year, the European leaders agreed biofuels should comprise at least 10 percent of the overall fuel production by 2020. The U.S. Congress approved an energy bill that stipulates a six-fold increase in ethanol production by 2022.

As a new yet rapidly growing industry, biofuels production faces several challenges:

1. Production planning and implementation
To meet a growing demand for their products, biofuels producers are faced with the challenge to expand their facilities, including opening new plants, in a way that does not disrupt production, allows for quick system design and implementation, and carries a low risk associated with plant commissioning.