Biorefinery: applications and trends

5 May 2025

What is a biorefinery?

A biorefinery is an industrial facility that transforms biomass into energy, materials, and chemical products. The concept is based on the comprehensive use of renewable resources such as agricultural waste, forestry residues, or algae. It works similarly to a traditional petroleum refinery, but uses sustainable raw materials.

Biorefineries are a key component of the circular bioeconomy, aiming to replace fossil resources with renewable alternatives. They enable the simultaneous production of biofuels, bioplastics, biofertilisers, and high-value biochemicals.

Types of biorefinery

There are several types of biorefineries, depending on the feedstock and the processes involved:

Thermochemical biorefineries: use pyrolysis, gasification or combustion.
Biochemical biorefineries: use fermentation or anaerobic digestion.
Integrated biorefineries: combine physical, chemical and biotechnological processes.

Applications of the biorefinery

Biorefineries have multiple applications across strategic sectors. Below are some of the most relevant:

Biofuel production

One of the most well-known applications is the production of biofuels such as bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas. These can replace fossil fuels and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Biorefineries enable the production of key chemical compounds like organic acids, alcohols, or enzymes. These are used in pharmaceuticals, solvents, or additives.

Biodegradable materials and polymers

By valorising biomass, bioplastics and biodegradable materials can be produced, helping the shift away from petroleum-derived plastics.

Fertilisers and animal feed

The resulting residues can be processed into biofertilisers or nutritional supplements for livestock, closing the nutrient cycle.

Cosmetics and food industry

Biorefineries can extract bioactive compounds to develop natural ingredients for food products and cosmetics.

Pros and cons of the biorefinery

Advantages

Biorefineries offer multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits:

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Valorisation of agricultural and forestry waste.
Boost to local and rural economies.
Energy diversification and reduced dependence on oil.
Stimulation of technological innovation.

Their development aligns with EU policies such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.

Disadvantages and limitations

However, several limitations still hinder large-scale adoption:

High initial investment required.
Technological and operational complexity.
Lack of dedicated infrastructure.
Logistics challenges in biomass collection and transport.
Land-use competition with food production.

As a result, many biorefineries remain in pilot phases or depend heavily on public funding.

Challenges for the development of biorefinery

1. Industrial scale-up

Transitioning from research to commercial operation is a major challenge. It demands high investments, technology validation, and economic feasibility studies.

2. Regulation and policy framework

Clear and stable regulations are essential. A supportive legislative environment is needed to attract investment and ensure sustainability standards.

3. Technological innovation

Improving conversion processes and increasing biomass yield is key. Emerging technologies like biocatalysis and metabolic engineering may drive future breakthroughs.

4. Integration in rural areas

Biorefineries should be designed to integrate into rural settings. This ensures proximity to raw materials and strengthens local job creation and social cohesion.

5. Public acceptance and public-private collaboration

Raising public awareness of the benefits of this technology is crucial. Collaboration between governments, companies, and research centres is also essential.

The biorefinery represents a strategic opportunity to advance towards a more circular and sustainable economy. While technical and financial challenges remain, the potential to reduce emissions, valorise waste, and boost local development is considerable.

With the right policies, ongoing innovation, and strong collaboration, biorefineries can play a vital role in Europe’s ecological transition.

Discover with Kaila more innovation trends.