More biofuel from combination of known technologies
A new combination of thermo-chemical processes can contribute to reducing GHG emissions from the transport sector.
In the Bioflex project, two well-known technologies for biofuel production, pyrolysis and gasification, have been combined. The integrated process is more efficient, offering possibilities to produce more biofuel from the same amount of biomass.
The process makes it possible to achieve nearly 40% of carbon conversion. That is a considerably larger number than what can be reached through direct pyrolysis or gasification, where corresponding results are between 30 and 35 percent.
Combining the two therm-ochemical processes allows for producing more of light olefins, an intermediate product that is the key for the good results. Olefins can then be used in fuel conversion.
The integrated process also offers a high level of flexibility. The olefin production kan be adjusted in order to meet demands in fuel mix variations over time.
Parts of the technology is already commercially available in Sweden. Production costs are expected to be 10 SEK/liter biofuel, double the cost for fossil fuels. To stimulate investing the the technology, implementation of policy instruments is vital.
The project results were presented (in English) in a webinar. A recording is available here:
Facts
Manager
Efthymios Kantarelis, KTH
Contact
ekan@kth.se
Participants
Klas Engvall, KTH // Andrea Toffolo, Bio4Energy (LTU) // Rolf Ljunggren, Cortus Energy
Time plan
July 2019 - December 2020
Total project cost
1 117 036 SEK
Funding
The Swedish Energy Agency, the f3 partners, KTH, LTU and Cortus Energy AB.
Swedish Energy Agency's project number within the collaborative research program
48369-1