Carbon-Negative Biopower

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to investigate the prerequisites for CO2 negative biopower on the component and plant level of BTC technology, together with a study of market conditions for large-scale biochar production. The project resulted in a simulation model in Apen Plus for a BTC plant and practical tests were conducted to investigate the quality of the biochar produced in the process. The market survey identified the conditions, opportunities and obstacles for large-scale production of biochar and in which areas probably biochar may be in demand.

Expected results and effects

WP1 and WP2 resulted in both expected and unexpected results. The simulation model showed that the energy balance allows a fraction of the fuel to be converted to biochar stalling the process. They also showed that the quality of the biochar produced in the BTC process is very suitable as coke replacement in other applications. The market investigation resulted in the commercial and regulatory conditions of CO2 negative biopower with biochar currently not justifying large-scale production. This due to the price of coke and CO2 being low.

Planned approach and implementation

WP 1 was implemented as a model of Aspen Plus to simulate a BTC facility for different operating conditions. The implementation was iterative and resulted in a stable model. WP2 was conducted as practical test in rigs at the Company and KTH in order to investigate the chemical composition of the biochar produced in the BTC process. WP3 was conducted as a market survey to look at the conditions for CO2 negative bio power in Sweden based on biochar as carrier / binder of CO2.