International workshop on commercialization of biomass gasification

Luleå University of Technology has a key role in the international technology collaboration IEA Bioenergy Task 33, which is part of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The work in Task 33 focuses on gasification of biomass and waste - a technology with great potential to contribute to a more sustainable energy system and climate-positive products. The mission is to monitor technology development, increase understanding of the need for research and innovation, and disseminate fact-based knowledge.

In early June, 43 specially invited stakeholders from industry, academia and technology companies from 15 different countries in Europe, Asia and North America gathered for a workshop in Luleå. The aim of the day was to discuss key lessons and challenges related to the commercialization of different biomass gasification technologies, mainly for the production of fuels and chemicals.

"Biomass gasification to produce electricity and process heat has long been a mature technology. When it comes to biomass gasification for the production of fuels and chemicals, there have been close commercial breakthroughs, but many initiatives have stumbled on the finish line for various reasons. It has usually been about too great financial risks linked to uncertain external conditions" says Joakim Lundgren, professor of energy engineering at Luleå University of Technology and Deputy Leader of Task 33.

Gasification means that biomass, such as wood chips, bark or other residues, is converted into an energy-rich gas, known as product gas. After purification and conditioning, the gas can be upgraded to various types of fuels, chemicals, electricity or process heat. The technology is particularly relevant in countries with good access to sustainable biofuels and high ambitions to reduce carbon emissions.

"IEA Bioenergy Task 33 will work with stakeholders around the world to find ways around the challenges that exist and thus facilitate companies and industries to dare to invest. This is of course a real challenge, but at our workshop valuable experiences from both successful and unsuccessful projects around the world were shared by world-leading technology experts. This provided important lessons to understand the conditions and actions needed to achieve commercial breakthrough," says Joakim Lundgren.

• Energy engineering