Next generation bio-crude and syncrude production technologies allow the production of biocrude intermediates from non-food, low-carbon
feedstocks that can not be processed in traditional biodiesel production facilities.
Fitch recognizes the risk that the current
feedstock cost advantage enjoyed by many North American chemical companies could be reduced over time as additional ethane crackers get built in the U.S.
Feedstock Change (Contract) C2 (Ethylene) [pounds sterling]0.00 C3 (Propylene) [pounds sterling]0,00 Styrene -[pounds sterling]80.64 Benzene [pounds sterling]42.11 Brent Crude [pounds sterling]9.59 Further evidence of this inflationary pressure comes from the November
feedstock price adjustment whereby C2 and C3 avoided an anticipated reduction and instead prices rolled-over.
The other solution is to quantify the physical properties of available biomass
feedstocks in engineering science terms and develop better analytical models to enable design of equipment and handling systems that actually work.
The emergence of low-cost non-conventional gas in Texas, and later Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and other states, has increased the availability of ethane
feedstock for US chemical producers and driven down prices.
Looking forward, there will be a change in the demand mix for
feedstocks as the Ti[O.sub.2] pigment process capacity evolves.
The moisture content of
feedstocks in grinding operations has significant effects on particle size distribution.
Saudi Arabia's business strategy of integrating refineries and petrochemicals is best exemplified by Sadara, its joint venture with Dow, which will take advantage of the company's access to low-cost, gas-based
feedstocks and liquid
feedstocks.
"As such, we are in the process of assessing the impact of new and alternative
feedstocks on our businesses.
14 March 2013 - US-based emerging renewable energy firm Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc (PINK:GCEH) said today it had acquired biofuels producer Sustainable Oils LLC, thereby extending its own portfolio of non-food based
feedstocks.
Adapting to this, petrochemical companies have shifted to more liquid
feedstocks. Most new major projects across the region (such as the Saudi Aramco-Dow Chemical venture, Sadara) are expected to use mostly liquid
feedstocks, said Horncastle.
Plans have been announced to build a "third-generation biofuels project" in Madelia, Minn., that will use agricultural
feedstocks to produce gasoline, diesel and ammonia.
Corn ethanol will not grow further, so the real issue is not past policy but future policy with respect to other biofuel
feedstocks. The hope for the future is biofuels produced from cellulosic
feedstocks such as corn stover, switchgrass, miscanthus, and woody crops.
