Globally there is increased demand for sustainable energy solutions as well as an increasing range of bioproducts. This is driving an increased demand for biomass. As these markets grow, mature biomass producers will shift from primarily seeking out economically viable market options to seeking to access the highest value market their biomass resource is suitable for. The ability to match biomass quality and characteristics to market value and opportunities will require a shift from simple trading values based on volume, mass and moisture content to being able to identify and measure characteristics of the biomass that dictate its value in different energy and biomaterial production processes. This basic knowledge of biomass quality will enable effective and economic access to areas with emerging biomass opportunities. Biomass characteristics play an important role in product classification, economic values, and types of usage. Qualitative, physical, and chemical characteristics of biomass feedstocks are important when defining their suitability for different conversion systems, such as direct combustion (heat process), but also thermochemical and biochemical conversion processes to produce liquid biofuels or biochemicals.
This research was initiated by IEA Bioenergy Task 43 (Biomass Supply) with the aim to review and identify the top biomass characteristics as they relate to commercially viable biomaterial and bioenergy processes. The search was restricted to woody biomass and raw feedstock materials. Review results were classified based on regions including Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Each case study was described based on the study background, type of biomass and biomass attributes that were measured.
The key biomass characteristics mentioned in biomass studies were moisture content, ash content and calorific value. Other attributes mentioned less frequently were bulk density, contamination, particle shape and nutrient (elemental) content. Detailed information of different case studies is provided in this report.
The paper was published in open access in the Journal Silva Balcanica.
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Identifying key quality characteristics of wo
Most of the current knowledge covers the application of woody biomass for bioenergy generation such as heat/power. Future studies around the world could evaluate the quality of biomass for other applications such as biofuels and bioproducts.
Source: ieabioenergy.com
