Title:
Decarbonizing District Heating in Energy Transition Regions: Novel Biomass Supply Chains for Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers (IBC)
Author(s):
Kardaras, G., Kraia, Tz., Bampaou, M., Christou, M., Panopoulos, K.D., Marnellos, G.E.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of biomass conversion to intermediate bioenergy carriers (IBC) for use in district heating in energy transition regions. Biomass torrefaction is the conversion technology utilised in offering an alternative fuel for the replacement of lignite. Such transition can facilitate the reduction of emitted CO2 but is accompanied by significant additional requirements that can increase the cost per thermal MWh produced. The current analysis focuses on the investigation of the parameters affecting the final energy cost through the employment of process modelling and optimisation tools. Twelve case studies were investigated that correspond to different torrefaction implementation options. The conversion of agricultural residues to IBCs through torrefaction is examined with AspenPlusTM modelling tool, for autothermal operation. Furthermore, the subsequent utilisation in district heating plants is optimised by employing a biomass supply optimisation tool, which is based on non-linear programming techniques. The total IBC production cost is compared against the current prices of wood-chips and lignite. The results for the different case scenarios (25-39 €/MWh) indicate that there is potential for IBCs to compete wood-chips in terms of price (17 €/MWh) if certain aspects, regarding the physical biomass supply chain and the operational parameters of the torrefaction unit, are met, while carbon price affects the economic competitiveness of lignite.
Keywords:
district heating, torrefaction, biomass supply chains, decarbonisation, intermediate bioenergy carriers
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-Based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Biomass integration into energy systems
Event:
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3BO.12.3
Pages:
442 - 448
ISBN:
978-88-89407-22-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/30thEUBCE2022-3BO.12.3
Price:
FREE
