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Techno-Economic Feasibility of Biomass Gasification for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive Industries

Author

Listed:
  • Jaime Guerrero

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Simón Sala

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Alejandro Fresneda-Cruz

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Irene Bolea

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Clara Jarauta-Córdoba

    (CIRCE—Technology Center, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Ave. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

The current climatic and geopolitical situation leads to strong decarbonisation policies in several industries worldwide. Moreover, the European Union is pushing intensive industries to achieve a 55% reduction in CO 2 emissions towards 2030. Among them, the steel manufacturing sector is at the lead of alternative projects that can help achieve this ambitious target. Co-production of syngas and biochar is one potential solution for this sector. Herein, a techno-economic analysis is provided to evaluate the economic feasibility and the effect of the most influential parameters for a successful deployment. A bibliographic review has been carried out to establish a clear baseline for such an analysis in terms of investment costs at several scales for gasification projects. Additionally, the cost evolution for coke, natural gas, and CO 2 emission credits on the profitability of these projects are given. The case scenario processing 20,000 t biomass /y is the most feasible solution, with a payback of around three years and a net present value (NPV) of around 15 million EUR, showing that biomass gasification can be an up-and-coming alternative in the mid-term.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaime Guerrero & Simón Sala & Alejandro Fresneda-Cruz & Irene Bolea & Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez & Clara Jarauta-Córdoba, 2023. "Techno-Economic Feasibility of Biomass Gasification for the Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive Industries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:17:p:6271-:d:1227875
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ramos, Ana & Rouboa, Abel, 2020. "Syngas production strategies from biomass gasification: Numerical studies for operational conditions and quality indexes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 1211-1221.
    2. Do, Truong Xuan & Lim, Young-il & Yeo, Heejung & Lee, Uen-do & Choi, Young-tai & Song, Jae-hun, 2014. "Techno-economic analysis of power plant via circulating fluidized-bed gasification from woodchips," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 547-560.
    3. Campbell, Robert M. & Anderson, Nathaniel M. & Daugaard, Daren E. & Naughton, Helen T., 2018. "Financial viability of biofuel and biochar production from forest biomass in the face of market price volatility and uncertainty," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 330-343.
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