More energy from biomass

Biomass is biological material used to produce energy either through combustion to produce heat, or by converting it to biofuel through thermal, chemical and biochemical methods. The ENV-BIO (Technical and environmental analysis of advanced strategies for the energy valorisation of biomass) project aims to develop thermochemical processes for producing energy from biomass.

The initiative is divided into two areas of interest: ATPs and environmental analysis. Researchers will develop ATPs for acquiring energy from biomass and assess the environmental impacts associated with alternative strategies for using biomass for energy purposes.

Project partners will transfer knowledge between leading research groups working on biomass combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Knowledge will also be transferred between groups specialising in the environmental assessment of biomass to energy processes.

The team will conduct a comparative analysis of fast pyrolysis and biomass gasification processes and plants. In addition, they will carry out a life-cycle analysis (LCA) on conventional biomass to energy technologies and processes, and develop specific LCA methodology guidelines for ATPs.

Commercialisation opportunities arising from the application of thermochemical technologies and the environmental assessment of biomass will be examined. Moreover, the project will assess the environmental opportunities associated with adapting alternative technologies and strategies.

ENV-BIO will lead to the development of advanced technologies for biofuels that are efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.