Alternatively, using biomass has been suggested to co-fire with coal in a CFPP, or to replace coal
altogether.
Combining the use of biomass with coal can be beneficial, particularly from an
environmental standpoint although any such process may have its limitations or drawbacks.
Each coal type and biomass feedstock has different characteristics although by combining
the two, it may be possible to capitalize on the advantages of each, and minimize their
individual disadvantages. An effective way is via [gasification and production of syngas, a
mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide], and useful operating experience has been
achieved in a number of large-scale coal-fuelled gasification and IGCC plants ... It also has
the potential to form the basis of systems that combine coal and biomass use with other
renewable energy technologies to create clean, efficient energy-production systems. Thus,
various hybrid energy concepts, some based on coal/biomass [gasification], have been
proposed or are in the process of being developed or trialed. Some propose to add yet
another element of renewable energy to the system, generally by incorporating electricity
generated by intermittent renewables such as wind or solar power. A number also aim to
incorporate some form of carbon capture and storage.44
As biomass is generally considered carbon neutral,45 co-firing coal with biomass can provide
advantages for electric power generation. However, using biomass on a large, commercial scale
has a number of potential issues. Since the heating value and bulk density of biomass is lower
than coal, the necessary volumes to be harvested and handled can be substantial, and the type and
availability of different biomass materials tends to vary considerably with location. A potential
source of biomass in the United States could be wastes from the forest products industry