The purpose of this report is to analyze the developments the first and next generation bioethanol technologies. Production options explored several global regions and technologies covering fermentation route of the first-generation feedstock, hydrolysis and fermentation of the second-generation feedstock, and syngas fermentation from a technical, economic (cost of production model), carbon intensity, and capacity level. A discussion of implications for the conventional technologies is also included.

This report assesses Renewable DME production pathways in terms of their technical, economic, and carbon intensity aspects, in line with increasing pressure to decarbonize industrial boilers, off-grid power, medium- and heavy-duty transport, heating, and cooking applications. Key technologies covered at the cost of production level include gasification of forestry, agricultural, and municipal solid waste, reforming of glycerine, and biogas, and renewable power to DME. This report also presents a comparative analysis of the overall carbon intensity, considering scope 1, scope 2, and upstream scope 3 emissions across these fuel pathways.

Traditionally hydrogen is generated from fossil feedstock and processes that emit significant amounts of CO2. Green and other colors of hydrogen hold significant potential and interest for decarbonization of sectors that have previously been difficult to decarbonize. This includes both existing applications (e.g., refining, feedstock for chemicals) as well as emerging applications (e.g., e-methanol, e-ammonia, e-SAF), as well as potential in direct use for carbon emission free combustion. Growing interest in low carbon intensity hydrogen has stemmed from mounting net zero pledges and decarbonization goals, and an increasing focus on the energy transition. Production options explored several global regions (US, China, Brazil, and Western Europe) and technologies covering thermochemical (biomass gasification), bio-methane reforming, carbon capture, electrolysis, and other advanced pathways from a technical, economic (cost of production model), and carbon intensity level—including breakeven values for emission reductions under carbon taxation scenarios.

Traditionally hydrogen is generated from fossil feedstock and processes that emit significant amounts of CO2. In comparison, renewable or green hydrogen production results in materially lower emissions. Green hydrogen holds significant potential and interest for decarbonization of sectors that have previously been difficult to decarbonize. This includes both existing applications (e.g., refining, feedstock for chemicals) as well as emerging applications (e.g., e-methanol, e-ammonia, e-SAF), as well as potential in direct use for carbon emission free combustion. Growing interest in low carbon intensity hydrogen has stemmed from mounting net zero pledges and decarbonization goals, and an increasing focus on the energy transition. Production options explored several global regions and technologies covering thermochemical (biomass gasification), bio-methane reforming, electrolysis, and other advanced pathways from a technical, economic (cost of production model), and capacity level. A discussion of implications for the conventional technologies is also included.