Sustainable Utilization of Whey By-Product For the Production of Biobutanol; How Care can Foster Action: Embedding Equity in Climate Transition Policy

This thesis investigates the intertwined technological and social challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels toward sustainable energy systems. The technical component focuses on designing a bioprocessing facility that converts dairy waste—specifically acid whey—into biobutanol and whey protein powder. Using MATLAB and Aspen Plus for simulation and analysis, the proposed facility processes 214 million kg/year of whey, producing over 8 million kg/year of protein and 1 million kg/year of biobutanol. The design demonstrates a 730% return on investment and a 36% internal rate of return, proving the economic viability of circular, waste-to-fuel systems. In parallel, the sociotechnical component examines how climate policies often overlook the socioeconomic impacts on fossil fuel-dependent communities. Using case studies and the ethics of care framework, the analysis identifies key principles for equitable transition policies—regional investment, local governance, and worker support. Together, these projects emphasize that technological innovation must be paired with human-centered policy to ensure a just and sustainable energy future.