Stand der Technik und Trends bei der Erzeugung von Strom und Treibstoffen aus Holz

Abstract

Advanced conversion processes such as gasification technology for biomass have been under development for the last 30 years. First commercial plants went into operation. Over this period, motivation for biomass gasification has changed repeatedly. At first, production of high-temperature heat was the major motivation, later generation of electricity or combined heat and power (CHP). During the last ten years production of liquid and gaseous biofuels via gasification has been intensely studied and developed, which has increased the demands on the quality of syngas. This paper focuses on gasification development within Europe. Selected examples give an impression of current status and expected developments of gasification technologies for the production of electricity, liquid or gaseous biofuels. The examples make clear that there is still a considerable potential for innovation. Therefore, in coming years further technological breakthroughs can be expected. This development is expected to be supported by the implementation of the European Industrial Bioenergy Initiative (EIBI) and the planned European Public Private Partnership of bio-based industries ("Bridge"). It will be necessary to simultaneously advance fundamentally different technological options (e.g. enzyme- and thermochemical-based processes) and to perform intensive broad-based research to increase the efficiency of processes and to optimize the yields. For the market introduction of large-scale biomass gasification plants, i.e. of at least 50 MWWood power production, framework conditions have to be adapted in order to reduce commercial risk for investors. Biomass gasification can make a significant contribution for reduction of CO2 and the use of non renewable energy sources. It has to be understood as an integral part of an overall energy system.