Bioconversion of lignocellulosics

During the 3 years from 1986 to 1988, two International Energy Agency projects, CPD 2 (Pretreatment of Lignocellulosics) and CPD 5 (Conversion of C5, Sugars to Ethanol), were combined to form Task IV — Bioconversion of Lignocellulosics. Two meetings were held, the first in Graz, Austria in 1986 and the second in Ottawa, Canada in 1988. Proceedings from each of these meetings were distributed among the participants. Round-robin tests on the chemical analysis of pretreated lignocellulosic substrates and the enzymatic hydrolysis of these substrates were carried out by the network participants. Industrial groups from member countries were invited to participate at the Ottawa meeting. Various economic models were presented to determine the technoeconomic factors influencing the commercial viability of a bioconversion process. The success of the network was reflected in the attendance at the meetings, the excellent rapport of the participants and the useful information arising from the round-robin comparisons.