Biomass

Helping power plants optimize biomass (co-)firing and handling

Biomass is a key resource for renewable energy generation. Based on our growing biomass expertise, we assist business developers, power plant operators, and biomass procurement managers in optimally managing all aspects of biomass (co-)firing and in minimizing any undesirable effect. We provide neutral advice and recommendations during each stage of development and operation.

Expert advice during biomass fuel selection

We help determine the best fuel mix for a power plant’s specific operational environment. This is done through extensive chemical and physical analyses carried out in our laboratory, which is fully compliant with the latest CEN standards for biomass analyses. Among the biomass fuels covered are:

• Wood pellets
• Wood chips
• Agro-biomass fuels
• Black (torrefied) pellets

Laborelec is also very active in standardizing conditions for industrial wood pellet trading in Europe. In that regard, we are head of the Initiative Wood Pellet Buyers (IWPB).

Enhancing biomass handling and storage

Handling biomass involves a number of key aspects:

• Conveying
• Storage in silos and warehouses
• Drying
• Milling

We perform hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies integrating health and safety analyses. These cover fire and explosion risks, and also integrate ATEX regulations.

Optimizing emissions and combustion of biomass-fired plants

Laborelec has extensive knowledge in helping biomass (co-)fired power plants optimize combustion and minimize emissions.

Recommendations on biomass conversion technologies

We provide plant operators with unbiased recommendations on conversion technologies such as:

• Boilers: pulverized fuel, fluidized bed, or grate boilers
• Gasification units: fixed and fluidized beds
• Pyrolysis and torrefaction
• Anaerobic digestion and biogas treatment

Sustainability and life cycle analysis

Our experts carry out life cycle analyses on solid and liquid biomass, including chemical, physical, and ash analyses. In addition, Laborelec has developed a certification procedure to assess solid biomass sustainability and ensure its traceability.

Laborelec also participates in the IEE PELLCERT for the certification of sustainable wood pellet factories in Europe under the ENPLUS Green label.

Biomass taskforce sets standard

Laborelec takes part in the Eurelectric Biomass Taskforce that works on the European biomass market and published a position paper on solid biomass sustainability in May 2010.

Contact

For more information, contact us.