🏭CommercialEnergy Storage • Chemical

Biomass Gasification Combined Heat and Power

Biomass gasification combined heat and power (CHP) systems convert organic waste into synthesis gas for electricity generation while capturing waste heat for industrial processes, achieving 80-90% overall efficiency. These systems can process 10-100 tons of biomass daily producing 1-10 MW of electricity plus thermal energy. Companies like Nexterra and Ankur Scientific deploy systems with costs of $3,000-6,000 per kW and feedstock costs of $30-80 per ton.

How It Works

Biomass feedstock undergoes gasification in oxygen-limited environments at 700-1000°C producing combustible syngas. Gas cleaning systems remove tar compounds and particulates before combustion in gas engines or turbines. Waste heat from electricity generation is captured for industrial processes, space heating, or absorption cooling. Advanced systems integrate heat recovery, water treatment, and emissions control for optimal efficiency.

Advantages

Achieves high overall efficiency through combined electricity and heat production, utilizes waste biomass streams including agricultural residues and wood waste, and provides baseload renewable power with dispatchable characteristics. CHP systems reduce waste disposal costs and landfill methane emissions. The technology supports distributed energy production and energy security.

Challenges

Requires consistent feedstock supply chains and storage infrastructure, produces emissions requiring pollution control systems, and faces competition from natural gas CHP systems. Complex operations require skilled personnel and maintenance. Ash disposal and tar formation create operational challenges.