Hub Net Zero, under the support of NRCT, hosted a seminar on 22 July 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Focused on the role of biorefinery in advancing the net zero goal, the seminar was part of various activities featured in the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
Experts presenting in the seminar included Dr. Verawat Champreda from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Assistant Professor Dr. Santi Chuetor from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, and Assistant Professor Dr. Vorapot Kanokkantapong from Chulalongkorn University. The session was moderated by Dr. Chayanon Chotirotsukon from NSTDA.
During the seminar, the potential of biorefinery in advancing the net zero emission goal was highlighted. Biorefinery involves converting biomass into food, bio-based products (such as chemicals and materials), and energy, enabling value addition to farm products and agricultural waste. The potential bio-based products derived from various types of biomass were presented:
- Sugarcane biorefinery yields sugar, ethanol, lactic acid (used in the bioplastic industry), xylooligosaccharide (XOS, used in the pharma industry), and policosanol (used in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries).
- Cassava biorefinery yields starch, animal feed, bioethanol, and organic acids.
- Oil palm biorefinery yields palm oil, biodiesel, biogas, and glycerin.
- Food waste biorefinery yields animal feed, biofertilizer, biogas, hydrogen, ethanol, polyhydroxyalkanates (PHA bioplastic), and organic acids.
The seminar also addressed issues surrounding biorefinery, such as process scale-up, which includes process design and simulation, techno-economic assessment, and life cycle assessment.
Biorefinery is a bioindustry promoted by the government under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model. It maximizes resource utilization, thus representing a key to achieving carbon neutrality and net zero emissions.
Apart from the seminar, Hub Net Zero also organized an exhibition showcasing biorefinery research and innovation at the fair. The Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair was held from 22 to 28 July 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It featured meetings, seminars, and exhibitions aimed at demonstrating the potential of science in enhancing the quality of life and creating a sustainable future for Thailand.
