Conclusions
Based on the information and data presented,the
following findings are suggested:
• the two main technologies presently used to convert
biomass into energy are thermo-chemical and biochemical;
• selection of a conversion technology for biomass depends
upon the form in which the energy is required;
• pyrolysis,fermentation and mechanical extraction
(trans-esterification) all produce liquid fuels suitable
for use as transportation fuels;
• other conversion processes produce energy in a form
that is best used at the point of production i.e. hot air/
steam or a gas;
• pyrolysis oils and liquid fuels (such as RME) are suitable
only for diesel cycle engines;
• alcohol-based liquid fuels and combustible gases are
suitable for use in s.i.g.e.;
• alcohol-based liquid fuels produced by fermentation
are considered too costly for use in stationary s.i.g.e.;
• only gas from gasification/pyrolysis and AD is currently
a cost-effective fuel for use in static s.i.g.e.
Having identified that gasification,pyrolysis and AD
are the most likely cost-effective processes to produce a
fuel suitable for an s.i.g.e.,further consideration indicates
that while all of the processes are (technically) able
to produce a suitable fuel,only gasification is likely to be
commercially viable. This finding is based on consideration
of the greater overall conversion efficiency of gas
production via gasification and the proven operational
history and performance of gasifiers using purposegrown,biomass
feedstock.
Pyrolysis is a rapidly developing technology with
great potential but the process is inherently better suited
to producing a fuel oil,more suited to use in diesel engines
and gas turbines. AD also has its place both as a
conversion process to provide a gaseous fuel and as a
treatment process for high moisture content industrial
organic wastes,such ’difficult’ or wet biomass wastes
like MSW and sewage sludge. In terms of providing a