Biomass gasification

Gasification means thermal conversion of a solid or liquid combustible material into an energy-rich product gas. The latter typically has to undergo gas cleaning and can then produce electricity in a CHP unit or Stirling engine.

In principle, all renewable raw materials can be gasified. Animal waste, too, as well as sewage and digested sludge, plant and animal fats can be used. There are various allotherm and autotherm processes obtainable in very different designs. What all designs have in common is that none are ready for series production as yet. Specific problems lie in the trouble-free input of the biomass, the high coke and tar content in the product mixture and costly gas cleaning.

Biomass gasification is a useful supplement to anaerobic fermentation and offers advantages in the installation surface required, efficiency and great tolerance in terms of the input materials. RWE is engaged in the further development of this technology in pilot projects.