Woody residue gasification: a dual solution for decarbonisation Utilising woody residue from forest thinnings can support new fuel production and mitigate wildfire risk
Shrinivas Lokare and Andrew Kramer SunGas Renewables Inc. Bryan Tomsula CPFD Software
A s the world confronts growing energy demands through the first quarter of the 21st century, the shift from traditional fuels to renewable and cleaner fuels continues to grow. These renewable fuels can help companies meet their carbon reduction obligations and comply with specific government requirements. Solid feed gasification is a proven and established process that can be a major component in expanding the production of these renewable fuels and presents a viable option for conversion of renewable feedstocks into fuels and chemicals at scale (see Figure 1 ). Biomass residues and municipal solid waste (MSW) feedstocks are two abundant feedstocks that can produce alternatives to conventional fuels. Biomass, comprising organic materials such as agricultural residues, energy crops, and forestry residues, offers a renewable and
abundant source of energy. MSW consists of non-recyclable organic waste, such as food scraps, low-grade plastic, and garden waste. However, MSW faces challenges like contamination and the need for sorting and cleaning. Sourcing and processing MSW is further complicated by inconsistent segregation, high transportation costs, and limited infrastructure for advanced waste treatment. Although advanced technologies are being developed and put into practice to improve MSW quality and conversion efficiency, these difficulties adversely impact project feasibility as feedstock cost is directly proportional to the extent of pretreatment it requires before feeding it to the gasifiers. Forest residues – a low-hanging fruit Woody biomass – primarily sourced from forest
Methanol
Fuels Marine fuel Gasoline SAF DME
G A S I F I C A T I O N
Ammonia
Amines
Coal/petcoke
H
Fuel cells
Urea/resins Fertilisers
Liquid fuels
Methane (RNG/SNG)
To NG pipeline
Oxo-alcohols
Detergents
Chemicals
Formaldehyde Acetic acid MTBE
Natural gas
Plasticisers
FT liquids
Waxes
Carbon monoxide
Liquid fuels SAF Diesel Naphtha
Biomass
Acetic acid
Phosgene Poly-urethane
MSW
Admixtures
Steel manufacturing
Solvents Pharma Construction
Syngas
Industrial heating Electric power & heat
Figure 1 Gasification pathway to convert any feedstock to a variety of end products
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