Carbon fiber is a high-value product whose exceptional properties (lightweight and high strength) make it an increasingly sought-after material. Although carbon fibers can be manufactured from various precursors, over 98 percent of the global supply is currently made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with pitch being the next most common precursor. The cost of production via those two routes for plants located in the United States, Western Europe, Japan and China has been estimated for the first quarter of 2023. NexantECA also provided a high-level analysis of the business and strategic considerations and commented on the technology availability from the perspective of a company entering or expanding into the carbon fiber market. Global carbon fiber and carbon nanotube capacities are also detailed.

​The conventional and developing process and technology for producing adipic acid (ADA) are presented. Cost of production estimates have been developed for 5 conventional technologies and 1 speculative technology for USGC, Western Europe and China, including 4 upstream integrated cases. Carbon intensity (scope 1 and 2) as a result of ADA production in USGC, Western Europe and China, as well as the cost of abatement technologies are also covered. Global capacity by producer and technology are provided.

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 investigates the routes to biopropylene from a technoeconomic perspective. Routes to propylene via methanol (MTP), ethanol (metathesis-based and/or ETO), triglyceriedes (via HVO cracking, HVO biopropane PDH, or enhanced FCC), glycerine (dehydration), and propanol dehydration.are among those included in the analysis. Economics are analyzed in USGC, China, Brazil, and Western Europe. A capacity analysis and implications for the existing industry are included as well.

This BI report provides an overview of the biology, production routes, economics and applications of algae in the conventional energy industry.

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.

This report covers the techno-economics of the industrial graphite electrode sector, a key enabling technology for the steel and aluminum industries as well as for a large variety of high temperature processes. Industrial graphite electrodes are vital for the decarbonization of the steel industry and critical for aluminum smelting, but are facing short-term pressures from the rapid retreat from coal in Chinese steel and competition for synthetic graphite from the battery sector. Technology and economics for major production processes for functional graphite electrodes are covered and used to support a strategic overview of the sector.

This report assesses low-carbon marine fuel technologies in terms of their technical, economic, and carbon intensity aspects, aligning with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s goals of reducing GHG emissions in the global maritime industry by at least 50 percent from 2008 levels by 2050 and achieving zero-emissions by 2100.  Key technologies covered at the cost of production level include Renewable Diesel, Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), MSW-based bio-methanol, e-methanol, green ammonia and green hydrogen.   This report also presents a comparative analysis of the overall carbon intensity, considering scope 1, scope 2, upstream scope 3 and downstream scope 3 (fuel combustion) emissions across these fuel pathways.

Polyglycolic acid (PGA), also known as polyglycolide is a biodegradable, thermoplastic polyester polymer and the simplest of the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) class of polyesters possible.

Isoprene derivatives include polyisoprene, styrene block copolymers (SIS and SEPS), and butyl rubber (IIR). The halogenated butyl rubbers – notably bromobutyl rubber - is more commonly used in tires as the material vulcanizes faster than IIR itself.