Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

ELEGANT

Techno-economic evaluation of an electro-pulse treatment of yeasts for upcycling agro-industrial residues into bio-lubricants and single-cell proteins (ELEGANT)

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Bio-based oils are a key component of a climate-neutral, resource-efficient industry. They reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, create regional added value and reduce environmental and health impacts. This sub-project focuses on the first-time implementation of electroimpulse technology for the extraction of lipids and proteins from oleogenic yeasts. The technology will first be adapted on a laboratory scale and then on a pilot scale. Optimal treatment parameters and economic processes will be developed, and sufficient product quantities will be produced to evaluate the suitability of the lipids as biosurfactants. In the advanced stage of the project, Fraunhofer ISI will be responsible for reviewing the economic viability of the approach as part of a techno-economic assessment.

 

 

 

The techno-economic assessment consists of two components. First, a market analysis is carried out on the inputs used (yeast strains, substrates, solvents) and the outputs produced (lipids as lubricating oils and proteins as feed additives). Based on the laboratory results, the most promising production variant is identified and scaled up to an industrial level. Finally, a profitability assessment is carried out based on the total investment and plant costs, taking into account running costs and revenues.

 

Due to the high initial investment and plant costs, yeast-based lubricants only appear to be economically viable if all externalities are internalized for both yeast-based lubricants and competing petroleum-based lubricants. Under the current political framework, economically viable production does not appear to be possible.

Duration

10/2022 - 09/2025

Client

  • Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) as project organizer for the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (BMLEH)

Partners

  • KIT Institute for Pulsed Power and Microwave Technology (IHM)
  • KIT BLT 2 Electro Biotechnology
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
  • University of Hohenheim Institute for Animal Sciences
  • Heidolph Instruments GmbH & Co. KG
  • ROWE Mineralölwerk GmbH
  • GEA Wiegand GmbH (GEA Group AG)