BIOMASS 08: Overcoming challenges to reach potential

January 1, 1970

BY Dave Nilles

Web exclusive posted April 17, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. CST

The potential for biomass is nearly limitless. However, experts at the International Biomass '08 Conference and Trade Show this week in Minneapolis say there are plenty of challenges that need to be overcome before its use become more significant.

More than 800 people attended the first annual event, which aims to facilitate the advancement of near-term and commercial-scale manufacturing of biomass-based power, fuels and chemicals.

Norway-based Borregaard provided a commercial-scale example of the unique opportunities for biomass usage for power, fuels and chemicals. The company touts itself as having the world's most advanced biorefinery, which produces ingredients, fine chemicals and energy from wood – primarily spruce. Its approach is similar to the process of converting crude oil into a wide array of products. However, instead of petroleum, Borregaard uses renewable wood as a feedstock. The company has more than 60 years of experience in the feasibilities and challenges of handling and processing biomass, according to Gisle Johansen Lohre, Borregaard's vice president of business development.

Lohre said many biomass project ideas look good on paper, but they "won't work in the real world" due to a poor energy balance and the lack of saleable products. He said companies should focus on producing a variety of marketable products in order to thrive.

Lohre said his company converts 1,000 kilograms of wood to 79 kilograms of biofuel, 400 kilograms of cellulose, 400 kilograms of lignin, three kilograms of vanillin, 50 kilograms of ethanol and 50 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Borregaard converts more than 90 percent of incoming biomass into marketable products, Lohre said, adding that ethanol created only 10 percent of the value in his company's process.

John Hemmings, process director of studies and technology for Canadian-based SNC Lavalin, shared with conference attendees a three-stage path for biomass plants. He said current coal-fired facilities emit up to 450 pounds of carbon dioxide per barrel of coal-to-liquid production. A co-fired coal and biomass plant would be carbon neutral, especially if biomass is gathered from within a 75-mile radius. The District Energy St. Paul Inc. project, which conference attendees had the opportunity to tour, collects wood-based biomass primarily within a 75-mile radius to create heat and power for downtown St. Paul. For more information, on the project visit www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1428&q=district%20energy%20st%20paul. Hemmings said it takes $3 per million British Thermal Units (MMBtu) to move biomass 100 miles. However, carbon taxes would help partially offset logistical challenges.

Hemmings said the third-stage plant would co-fire coal and biomass and feature an algae-based biodiesel facility. The algae would utilize the plant's concentrated carbon dioxide stream. While many companies tout their algae-to-biodiesel technology, Hemmings said a commercial-scale process is likely at least eight to 10 years away from hitting the market.

For more information on the conference, visit www.biomassconference.com.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement