@misc{BaenaMorenoGonzalezCastanoArellanoGarciaetal., author = {Baena-Moreno, Francisco Manuel and Gonz{\´a}lez-Casta{\~n}o, Miriam and Arellano-Garc{\´i}a, Harvey and Ramirez Reina, Tomas}, title = {Exploring profitability of bioeconomy paths: Dimethyl ether from biogas as case study}, series = {Energy}, volume = {225}, journal = {Energy}, issn = {0360-5442}, doi = {10.1016/j.energy.2021.120230}, pages = {9}, abstract = {Herein a novel path is analysed for its economic viability to synergize the production of biomethane and dimethyl ether from biogas. We conduct a profitability analysis based on the discounted cash flow method. The results revealed an unprofitable process with high cost/revenues ratios. Profitable scenarios would be reached by setting prohibitive DME prices (1983-5566 €/t) or very high feed-in tariffs subsidies (95.22 €/MWh in the best case scenario). From the cost reduction side, the analysis revealed the need of reducing investment costs. For this purpose, we propose a percentage of investment as incentive scheme. Although the size increase benefits cost/revenues ratio, only the 1000 m3/h biogas plant size will reach profitability if 90\% of the investment is subsidized. A sensitivity analysis to check the influence of some important economical parameters is also included. Overall this study evidences the big challenge that our society faces in the way towards a circular economy.}, language = {en} }