Bio-ethanol, as a clean and renewable fuel, is gaining increasing attention, mostly through its major
environmental benefits. It can be produced from different kinds of renewable feedstock such as e.g. sugar
cane, corn, wheat, cassava (first generation), cellulose biomass (second generation) and algal biomass
(third generation). The conversion pathways for the production of bio-ethanol from disaccharides, from
starches, and from lignocellulosic biomass are examined. The common processing routes are described,
with their mass and energy balances, and assessed by comparing field data and simulations. Improvements
through 5 possible interventions are discussed, being (i) an integrated energy-pinch of condensers
and reboilers in the bio-ethanol distillation train; (ii) the use of Very High Gravity (VHG) fermentation;
(iii) the current development of hybrid processes using pervaporation membranes; (iv) the substitution
of current ethanol dewatering processes to >99.5 wt% pure ethanol by membrane technology; and (v)
additional developments to improve the plant operation such as the use of microfiltration of the
fermenter broth to protect heat exchangers and distillation columns against fouling, or novel distillation
concepts.
Whereas the benefits of introducing these techniques are recognized, extensive research is still needed
to scientifically and economically justify their application. The paper finally presents a tentative economic
assessment, with production costs not only depending on the extent of applying process improvements,
but also on the raw material used in the process.