Value-Optimised use of Biomass in a Flexible Energy Infrastructure: Summary report of ERA-Net VaBiSys project

The overall objective of the VaBiSys project was to develop new technologies and concepts that improve the value of bioenergy resources in an energy system that is dominated by variable renewable energy (VRE) such as wind and solar. When an energy system becomes dominated by VRE generation, completely new types of flexible resources are needed to maintain a stable and reliable supply of energy. Our project aimed to understand the role that bioenergy can play in this transition as a source of sustainable flexibility. As bioenergy is a finite resource, it will be important to identify those applications and concepts that bring most value for the future energy system. These issues were addressed by 1) Development of new bioenergy solutions to serve energy markets with a high need for flexibility; 2) Significantly extending the flexibility of known bioenergy technologies; 3) Identification of costs, benefits and development needs for potential bioenergy concepts in a VRE dominated energy system; 4) Improved understanding about the economic, social and environmental sustainability of biomass used in a flexible energy system; and 5) Accelerating the deployment of flexible bioenergy technologies via market assessments and development of potential business plans. The project consortium included three research organizations and partners from industries and SME’s. In the research work packages led by the research organizations and Valmet Oy, the main objectives were addressed using energy systems modelling, computations fluid dynamic modelling, socio-techno-economic studies and by experimental research in pilot and commercial facilities. During the project, new solutions to expand the flexibility limits of existing boiler technologies were found, and new bioenergy technologies were validated. Based on the system level studies and techno-economic assessment, flexible bio-CHP plants can balance future energy systems, while further decoupling the energy system from the use of fossil resources.