Petrochemicals: Raw material change from fossil to biomass?

The petrochemical industry, which is based on crude oil and natural gas, competes with the energy providing industry for the same fossil raw material, but uses only 10% of it. This leaves the energy providers in the driver seat and makes the petrochemical industry dependent on them. Dwindling oil and gas reserves, concern regarding the greenhouse effect (carbon dioxide emissions) and worldwide rising energy demand raise the question of the future availability of fossil raw materials. Biomass as a renewable resource appears as an alternative to substitute oil and gas. Current use of biomass for organic chemicals amounts to 10% and is mainly based on sugar, starch, fats and oils (first generation of biomass). The use of these raw materials brings the chemical industry also in competition with nutrition for man and animal. Great interest centers around the use of “non-food-biomass” (lignocellulose), which is available in nearly abundant amounts, but routes for chemical utilizations are lacking. Biotechnological, chemical and engineering solutions are needed for utilization of this second generation bio-renewable based supply chain. One approach consists of the concept of a bio-refinery. Also gasification followed by liquefaction is a promising pathway. Short and medium term a feedstock mix with crude oil and natural gas dominating can most likely be expected. Very long term, due to the final limited availability of oil and gas, biomass will prevail. Prior to this change to occur great research and developments efforts must be carried out to have the necessary technology available when needed.