Decarbonisation Technology - November 2024 Issue

XTH Module Anything to heat

XTM Module Anything to advanced molecules

XTE Module Anything to equilibrium

RDF from C&I and m unicipal w aste

Gas cleaning system removes all inorganic contaminants

Equilibrium approach reformer high pressure. High temperature gas treatment

Pressurised stacked uidised bed Proven technology for a wide range of feedstocks

Syngas upgrading to rDME, (LPG substitute). rMethanol, SAF

Woody biomass

Grade ‘B’ Syngas

Grade ‘A’ Syngas

Hazardous waste including CAT 3 Aviation

CHP

Combined heat and power

(Grade A+ reductant gas)

(Grade ‘B’ Syngas as pressurised natural gas substitute)

O-grid energy

Transport

Chemicals industry

Agricultural biomasses, straw, sewage sludge, digestate

Figure 5 The gasification process can be tuned for different outputs and products

companies) the most to ‘deal with’, into a stable, clean gas that cuts carbon. Put in a bag of waste or low-grade biomass, and it can be recycled into high-value molecules such as renewable and recycled carbon natural gas substitutes, hydrogen, methanol, and dimethyl ether, a low-carbon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel substitute. The gas that comes out is a hydrogen-rich gas (syngas), which is the building block for everything that can then be converted into multiple fuels. Feedstock challenges However, while waste is all around us, sourcing and handling this waste ‘feedstock’ is not straightforward. The availability of waste is often grossly understated, dependent on type and where it is in relation to where it is needed. The UK government recognises the importance of ACT technology in reaching net zero and has investigated and reported on the volumes and availability of different feedstocks, with biomass, household waste (MSW), and commercial and industrial waste generated in significant quantities. Residual MSW and commercial and industrial waste contains almost 50% biogenic matter, with the rest coming from fossil fuels. Biogenic matter, a renewable feedstock input, generates significant CO₂ savings and must be prioritised

for more efficient processes targeting the harder-to-abate sector. The government’s review into advanced gasification technologies recognises the attractiveness of MSW and commercial and industrial waste as a fuel, given that it costs money to dispose of and the importance of diverting these waste streams away from landfill to avoid the release of carbon (90% methane) from landfill. Despite the potential, many high-profile ACTs around the world, including recent examples in America, have struggled or failed. This is not only due to inherent flaws in some of the technologies, but because these projects pursued large-scale implementations. The absence of a smaller-scale validation phase led to unforeseen technology challenges and difficulties in managing the practicalities of waste feedstock logistics. Consequently, these projects often faced insurmountable issues related to feedstock specification and operational feasibility, highlighting the critical importance of phased validation and scale-up processes. The age-old adage ‘build it and they will come’ does not work. The key issues of sourcing and preparing feedstocks needs to be discussed and planned right from the start, working across the value chain to ensure an effective flow of waste and energy output.