Feasibility studies on selected bioenergy concepts producing electricity, heat, and liquid fuel. IEA Bioenergy: Techno-economic analysis activity

The IEA Bioenergy Techno-Economic Analysis Activity reported here, had the following objectives: · To assist companies working with technologies and products related to bioenergy applications in their efforts to demonstrate these, · To promote bioenergy technologies, processes and applications, · To built and maintain a network for R&D organisations and industry. The objectives were pursued 1995-1997 through carrying out site-specific prefeasibility studies in participating countries. Both electricity and liquid fuel applications were studied, utilising gasification, pyrolysis, and combustion technologies. Studies were carried out in collaboration with companies developing new products or services from participating countries (Austria, Canada, Finland, and the United States of America) in the bioenergy field. Cases are: · Austria: Power production at a district heating station, Stirling-engine driven by unclean boiler flue gases, 50 kWe · Canada: Bio-oil production for a boiler power plant, Fast pyrolysis of sawmill wastes & bark, 11 MWe · Finland: Co-generation of power and heat at a pulp and paper mill, Pressurised inte-grated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) using bark & wood, 34 MWe · Sweden: Bio-oil production for heating fuel, Fast pyrolysis of forest residues, 20 000 t/a · USA - Case 1: Co-firing in a coal boiler, Combustion of plantation willow, 15 MWe · USA - Case 2: Condensing power production, Pressurised IGCC using alfalfa stems, 75 MWe All of the cases studied are at different stages of development. Results from these case studies are reported together with technical uncertainties and future development needs, which are required for all the systems. In general, the results showed that for most of the cases studied economic conditions are possible, through existing subsidies or tax incentives, for feasible industrial operation. Specially designed Stirling engines have a short amortisation time integrated to biomass district heating plants in Austria, provided similar subsidies will be obtained as for district heating plants. The pulp mill IGCC appears slightly more economic than the commercial alternative already without subsidies. Recent press releases from participating industry is included to highlight the industrial applications of the studied technologies.