Bio-based Fuels

Bio-based Fuels

Bio-based energy has been an essential part of human society since the origin of the universe and still is in most parts of the world. The versatility of bioenergy is incomparable with other energy sources, and the development of next generation bioenergy technology will play a crucial role in the transition towards more sustainable near-future energy systems.

Working with the bio-based fuels platform involves a broad variety of organic substrates, a wide palette of conversion technologies and a broad portfolio of services and products. Biogenic feedstocks range from high quality primary resources such as wood and energy crops across mediocre residual resources such as straw and grass to lesser quality secondary resources such as manure, sludge and organic waste fractions. The technology catalogue includes microorganism-based processes, thermal processes and thermochemical processes. Energy services include electricity, heat and transport fuels as well as building blocks for chemicals; other services may include waste management, risk mitigation, nutrient recirculation, soil enhancement and carbon sequestration.

The role of the bioenergy engineer is as versatile as the platform itself. The work can involve many different disciplines including screening and characterization of new feedstocks, development and testing of conversion technologies, product characterization and market assessments, scaling and integration of processes and system integration as well as sustainability assessment.

Biomass is a limited resource, but the potential applications and benefits of this resource’s optimal utilization are practically endless. In this study line, you will gain competencies to bridge these different fields of importance for future jobs where the potentials of bioenergy in the energy system are generated, designed and analysed.

Polytechnic foundation courses (5 ECTS)

The following course is mandatory

42500 Innovation in Engineering (Polytechnical Foundation) 5 point January
or
42504 Innovation in Engineering (Polytechnical Foundation) 5 point August
or
42501 Innovation in Engineering (Polytechnical Foundation) 5 point June

Students with advanced innovation competences may take one of the following courses as an alternative to 42500/42501/42504:

42502 Facilitating Innovation in Multidisciplinary Teams 5 point January
or
42505 Facilitating Innovation in Multidisciplinary Teams 5 point August
or
42503 Facilitating Innovation in Multidisciplinary Teams 5 point June

Programme specific courses (55 ECTS)

Innovation course II - mandatory (5 ECTS)

28485 Biobusiness and Process Innovation 5 point Autumn E1B (Thurs 13-17)

Core competence courses - mandatory (30 ECTS)

28870 Energy and Sustainability 5 point E7 (Tues 18-22)
28871 Production of Biofuels 10 point Spring F2A (Mon 13-17) and Spring F4B (Fri 8-12)
41418 Green fuels and power-to-x 5 point Spring F3A (Tues 8-12)
42015 Energy Economics 5 point Autumn E3B (Fri 13-17)
46205 Feasibility studies of energy projects 5 point Autumn E3A (Tues 8-12)

Choose 20 ECTS among the rest of the programme specific courses: 

10339 Concepts in heterogeneous catalysis and applications to energy conversion 5 point Autumn E3B (Fri 13-17)
26510 Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry 10 point Spring F4 (Tues 13-17, Fri 8-12)
28242 Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis 5 point Autumn E1A (Mon 8-12)
28244 Combustion and High Temperature Processes 5 point Autumn E4B (Fri 8-12)
28271 Thermal gasification and sustainability 5 point June
28345 Industrial BioReaction Engineering 5 point Spring F4A (Tues 13-17)
28350 Process Design: Principles and Methods 10 point Spring F3A (Tues 8-12) and Spring F3B (Fri 13-17)
28871 Production of Biofuels 10 point Spring F2A (Mon 13-17) and Spring F4B (Fri 8-12)
28872 Biorefinery 5 point Autumn E4B (Fri 8-12)

Elective courses (30 ECTS):

May be taken among all of DTU's MSc courses, including surplus programme specific courses.

Master's thesis (30 ECTS):

MSc. thesis within the area of the specialization shall be conducted. The project can be completed in collaboration with a relevant company.