Agility within the scope of bio refineries: Identifying main characteristics and key factors for agile bio refineries

In the last 20 years, the development of biorefineries has been increasing around the world. This increase is mainly due to the potential benefits presented by this type of plant, namely, the reduction of raw materials, reduction of operational costs, and its adaptability that allows valorization of diverse feedstocks. Nevertheless, the implementation of biorefineries still faces some significant challenges such as appropriate availability of raw materials (quality and quantity), feasibility in the product supply chain, economies of scale, and the difficult territorial anchoring. Some of those problems are related to the current approach taken to implement biorefineries that frequently lay in the perspective of developing a large-scale plant under a single large-scale investment. An interesting approach to solve some of those problems is the introduction of the agility concept in biorefineries, i.e. the promotion of agile biorefineries (AB). Agile biorefineries are flexible plants, where a reconfiguration of the process is achieved by switching equipment inside a single standalone plant, therefore they achieve this agility by adapting configurations, varying feedstocks, and even changing operating conditions throughout time. Despite relevant efforts that have been made to promote a definition of agile biorefineries, the authors consider that it is still necessary to contribute to a common definition of this concept by identifying its main characteristics, which have not been clearly established. This study has two main objectives, firstly to contribute to the common definition of the AB concept and the identification of its core characteristics. Secondly, to identify the key factors in the process of implementing an Agile Biorefinery. To achieve these objectives, this study is based on a mixed approach that joins a systematic literature review with expert consultation. The main results of this study are: (i) contribution for the common definition; (ii) identification and description of the fundamental characteristics of an agile biorefinery; and (iii) a framework of key factors (enablers and challenges) in the implementation process of AB. The results presented in this paper could be a valuable tool for stakeholders that intend to implement agile biorefineries, especially for those who have no previous experience in this area.