Techno-economic evaluations

To develop a successful project, insight in the technical and economical feasibility at an early development stage is of key importance. ECN BCE offers independent techno-economic evaluations and design studies of biomass conversion processes. We have an extensive expertise in biomass and waste combustion and gasification, biomass co-firing, product and fuel gas cleaning, heat & power and bio-refinery processes. The results of our study provides you insight in your cost drivers and enables you to assess the feasibility of a project. The outcome can also direct your research activities or process optimization.

Our studies are typically based on a combination of information you supply and our in-house data. Common elements of these type of studies are process modeling combined with the determination of mass and energy balances and preliminary equipment sizing. Based on this information, investments cost will be estimated, as well as operational costs such as utility consumption and operator costs. The typical expected  accuracy range for a conceptual study or feasibility estimate is in the order of -15/20 up to +30/50% (comparable to e.g. an AACE*) Class 4 cost estimate).

Tools that are available for these activities are ASPEN Plus® process simulation software and the cost estimation tool ASPEN Process Economic Analyser® (formerly ICARUS Process Evaluator®). Besides this commercial software packages, also various in-house developed tools and databases are available. These tools could even be made-to-measure to meet your specific needs.

Please contact us, if you are interested in these services.

*) AACE = American Association of Cost Engineers