Bio-FlexGen

CHALLENGE

The European Green Deal promises to deliver on a net-zero energy system by 2050, through higher ambition on energy efficiency, system integration and renewable energy. The cost effective potential for cogeneration in all sectors will maximise energy efficiency and the integration of the European energy system at the lowest cost, while bringing key benefits to end consumers. Climate change is the most significant challenge for humanity today. For this reason, fossil fuels must be replaced utilising renewables, improved energy efficiency and more flexible energy systems. An optimal combination of several renewable sources is needed to satisfy society’s energy needs.

SOLUTION

This project proposes a new solution, called “Bio-FlexGen,” that utilises two renewable energy sources: green hydrogen from variable renewables, and biomass. Bio-FlexGen meets the need for a higher fuel, product and load flexibility, on top of a significantly higher electrical efficiency and power output, with high reliability and robustness. This is achieved with a unique combination of gasification and gas turbine technology that allows the plant to utilise hydrogen for fast dispatching and biomass for low operating costs over time. Due to the high efficiency, three times more power can be generated from biomass for the same heat load, and the plant can quickly achieve a full load by starting and operating on 100% hydrogen.

RESULTS

This project intends to decarbonise the economy. The Energy Roadmap 2050 explores the possible routes to achieve this, ensuring, at the same time, security of supply and competitiveness. In this sense, the European approach is expected to result in lower costs and more secure energy supplies when compared to individual national schemes. On the other hand, the energy transition should not be considered as a simple technological process, but should be accompanied by a political and societal process.