LiYF, a Swiss clean-tech startup specializing in second-generation (2G) bioethanol production, has successfully reached Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) for its innovative, patent-pending process. This advancement significantly enhances production efficiency, lowers operating costs, and boosts ethanol yield. The technology utilizes agricultural and forestry waste as feedstock to produce high-purity, fuel-grade ethanol suitable for road, aviation, and maritime transport sectors, supporting the transition to low-carbon fuels.
The LiYF process introduces multiple process-level innovations that improve both cost-efficiency and sustainability. Key features include:
- A 70% reduction in feedstock costs through the use of agricultural waste
- The Ultrasonic Baffled Hydrothermal (UBH) Reactor, which cuts pretreatment energy consumption by up to 20% while minimizing the formation of inhibitor compounds for yeast fermentation
- The CCH Hydrolysis system, reducing enzyme usage by up to five times
- A passive LCS cooling system that lowers energy requirements by eliminating the need for compressors or water pumps
These technological advancements collectively reduce total production costs by 20-30% compared to standard 2G bioethanol processes. The performance of LiYF’s technology has been validated at TRL 6 through lab-scale functional prototypes, demonstrating its potential for commercial viability.
“Our team has made significant progress in addressing the core technical and economic challenges associated with second-generation bioethanol production,” stated Hangama Wanner, CEO of LiYF. “Now that we have achieved TRL 6, our focus is on developing our proprietary equipment and finalizing our engineering concept designs for the pilot plant. We are actively seeking collaboration opportunities with researchers, investors, and strategic partners to explore potential synergies.”
LiYF’s achievement marks a critical milestone in the development of more sustainable and cost-effective bioethanol production methods, bringing the industry closer to meeting low-carbon fuel demands across various transportation sectors.
