Going Dutch in global biobased economy

'Whether you go for maximum solar or wind there is the chemical side which needs biomass', says Jan Willem Erisman (ECN) in the Singapore Business Review.

In an article about biobased economy Erisman (unitmanager for Biomass, Coal & Environmental research) explains that he and his team are working on one of the world's most advanced biomass gassifiers, and the research being done will have important implications for the way the world consumes and uses its energy.

Big role for biomass

This biomass gassifier is small and handles just 100 kg of biomass an hour. It is a pilot project that can convert just about any biological waste or side product, such as wood, manure or garden waste, into gas that can be used to fire up things like heating systems and power plants.

'There is the resource, there is the heat production which comes form biomass, there is also the flexibility in the grid whenever there is no solar or wind when you need the electricity", continued Erisman. 'So whatever scenario you choose, there is still a big role for biomass, in energy production or in chemical production.' But this small plant is just the beginning, and by the end of this year the ECN will also open a 10-ton/hr-demonstration plant of its torrefaction technology, converting woody biomass into biofuel for use in co-firing in coal power plants.

All this investments and research is part of the Netherlands government policy to make the country a leader in the burgeoning biobased economy.

Singapore Business Review

See here for the complete article in the Singapore Business Review

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