Techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis for the valorization of short rotation coppice cultivated for phytoextraction

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe main barrier in the commercialization of phytoextraction as a sustainable alternative for remediating metal contaminated soils is its long time period, which can be countered by biomass valorization. From an environmental point of view, fast pyrolysis of the biomass is promising because its lower process temperature prevents metal volatilization. The remaining question is whether fast pyrolysis is also preferred from an economic point of view.Therefore, a techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis has been performed for a case study in the Campine region in Belgium. For this region, willow trees cultivated in short rotation have the right characteristics to serve as a phytoextracting crop. A techno-economic assessment requires by definition a multidisciplinary approach. The problem statement urges for a focus on the economic profitability from the viewpoint of an investor, including economic risk analysis.Fast pyrolysis seems more profitable than gasification. The profit is dependent on the scale of operation, the policy support (subsidies) and the oil yield. The economic risk can be reduced by increasing the scale of operation by means of complementing feedstocks, and by valorization of the char byproduct by subsequent processing to activated carbon.

The Role of Organic and Inorganic Amendments in Carbon Sequestration and Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Degraded Soils

“…Phytoremediation's techniques are frequently used and additionally, commonly accepted by society. Their advantages include: adaptability with respect to different types of soil, the requirement of a small financial outlay, an insignificant interference with the natural environment and the capability to recover some of the costs (e.g., through the sale of wood, biomass energy, compost) [7,8]. Reforestation of degraded areas is one of the most effective and common ways of soil remediation and it also plays an important role in carbon sequestration.…”

Combined heat and power from the intermediate pyrolysis of biomass materials: performance, economics and environmental impact

“…Consideration of non-energy applications of pyrolysis is an increasingly important aspect of this work as discussed by Kuppens et al [19] who examine phytoremediation as an alternative motivation for developing pyrolysis projects. Figure 1).…”

Components and structures of the pillars of sustainability

“…The role of biomass valorization in removing the barriers to commercialization of phyto-extraction as a sustainable alternative for remediating metal contaminated soils was studied by Kuppens et al (2015). Fast pyrolysis of the biomass is promising from an environmental point of view because its relatively low process temperature prevents metal volatilization.…”