Air permitting implications of a biorefinery producing raw bio-oil in comparison with producing gasoline and diesel blendstocks

摘要

We evaluate two design pathways with and without hydroprocessing the bio-oil and compare their emissions (PTE) to examine the permitting implications on air permit classification. We also analyze additional emission controls to reduce regulated air pollutants, whose PTE is estimated to exceed the major source thresholds under the NSR and Title V permitting programs. As currently designed, both biorefineries would be classified as major sources. The biorefinery developers could implement additional emission controls to avoid being subject to major source permitting requirements. However, the costs of adopting these emission controls should be evaluated before making the final investment decision. On the other hand, the time duration required to obtain a major source air permit (compared to a minor source air permit) could have implications on biorefinery development cost (e.g., time value of capital cost). Our analysis provides insights into the potential challenges and risks associated with air permitting, which are often overlooked for the deployment of new technologies.