From calorimetry to thermal risk assessment: γ-Valerolactone production from the hydrogenation of alkyl levulinates

•Determination of the reaction enthalpy of the first and second steps for the hydrogenation of methyl and n-butyl levulinates.•Development of kinetic models for the hydrogenation of methyl and n-butyl levulinates catalyst under adiabatic conditions.•The thermal risk was evaluated to be medium for the hydrogenation of methyl and n-butyl levulinates.