Current status and future perspectives for energy production from solid biomass in the European industry

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.022Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Biomass is the only RES with relevant industrial use, with margin for more use.

  • Industries with solid biomass residues have already implemented bioenergy projects.

  • Industries with no biomass resources face challenges for further biomass use.

  • Bioenergy project viability, biomass availability and supply security are barriers.

  • Pressure on biomass resources rises; sustainable production capacity is limited.

Abstract

Industrial heat is important in Europe’s energy consumption and dominated by fossil fuels. Therefore, promoting renewables in this sector is vital to move Europe towards a low-carbon economy. Since solid biomass is the only renewable with significant industrial use, it is crucial to know the status of its present use and to analyze the prospects of its future utilization by the industry. The current European industrial energy consumption is reviewed, with a focus on bioheat. The available solid biomass feedstock and energy conversion alternatives are examined, along with future perspectives for further biomass consumption in several industrial sectors. Defining global strategies for industrial heat is not easy because of the diversity of industrial processes. Combustion dominates industrial heat production from biomass, but gasification systems are already commercially available. Combined heat and power production is mainly based on steam cycles. The full temperature range required by industry can be attained with biomass efficiently. The use of biomass-fired systems is generalized in the industries that generate solid biomass by-products, but the implementation of additional, more efficient and alternative biomass uses should be sought. Biomass penetration into sectors with no own biomass resources is more difficult. Major barriers are the high investment costs of biomass systems, strong competition with fossil fuels, and feedstock availability and security of supply. Although Europe’s solid biomass production and consumption are almost balanced, the pressure on resources is increasing. Therefore, it is important that resources are monitored and that sustainability is taken into consideration.

Keywords

Bioenergy
Solid biomass
Industry
Process heat
Cogeneration
Europe

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