The general objective for this Annex is to provide a sound basis for the efficient integration of biorefinery concept in different industrial sectors where biomass is used as resource or biomass based waste is available, which could be used for fuel/energy production, also considering opportunities of bio-products generation with added value. The work to be developed has a technology component as well as a systems approach.
Areas for international cooperation:
· Exchange of information on the optimization of energy efficiency in existing plants, to convert internal biomass and black liquor to energy and bioproducts
· Implementation of joint projects leading to engine fuels production connected to a pulp or pulp and paper mill
· R&D connected to pulp mill biorefineries to produce new materials and chemicals
· R&D associated to the integration of CO2 capture and sequestration at lower costs
The scope of Annex XI is the integration of biorefinery concept in industry, integrating with an existing plant (e.g. pulp and paper mill) or other, either individual or a complex of industrial companies. It includes economic evaluation, energy efficiency and technical integration of processes that provide energy and higher value-added products.
Examples of Technologies to be considered:
· Biomass gasification, including waste and black liquor gasification
· Pyrolysis
· Biogas production and integration
· Combustion
· Gas clean-up processes, including CCS techniques (e.g. using microalgae for CO2 fixation producing hydrocarbons and/or hydrogen)
· Fuels and chemicals synthesis
· Also included in the scope is the impact of the above technologies on the environment
The research strategy in Industry-based Biorefineries is collaborative work to identify areas needed for further research, building up multi-discipline groups to tackle at the same time different aspects of the biorefinery concept and its application.
Contact
Annex Manager is Dr Isabel Cabrita, INETI, Department of Energy Eng’g and Environmental Control: isabel.cabrita@ineti.pt