Decentralized power generation through biomass gasification: a technical – economic analysis and implications by reduction of CO2 emissions

Juan F. Pérez; Yuhan Lenis; Sandra Rojas; Carlos León

doi:10.17533/udea.redin.12476

Authors

Juan F. Pérez University of Antioquia
Yuhan Lenis University of Antioquia
Sandra Rojas Technological research and development center for the electricity sector
Carlos León Colombian Investment Company S.A. E.S.P.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.redin.12476

Keywords:

biomass, gasification, biopower, generation cost, clean development mechanism (CDM)

Abstract

This article presents the feasibility analysis of two electricity generation projects with wood biomass. The first one considers a wood harvested for energy from a forest with pine plantation (case 1), and the second one, biomass residues from a teak plantation (case 2). Electric power that can be produced is 2.0 MWe for pine’s case, and 1.0 MWe for teak. Considering the power to generate and after a strict literature search and analysis, the most suitable electricity generation technology is thermo-chemical process of gasification coupled with combustion engines. Generation cost (USD/kWe-h) is calculated for each technological alternative with a technical-economic analysis, as result the lowest costs are approx. 0.061 USD/kWe-h for 1.0 MWe, and 0.058 USD/kWe-h for 2.2 MWe, assuming that biomass’ cost is zero (0 USD/ton). This is considered the baseline for electricity generation projects with biomass in Colombia. The research is complemented with a CDM projects applicability analysis, finding that the sale of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) would reduce kWe-h cost between from 0.003 to 0.01 USD/kWe-h, in the studied power plants. However, neither the price neither the sale of CERs can be guarantee because there is not a tool to extend the Kyoto protocol, which comprises a first period between 2008 and 2012.

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Author Biographies

Juan F. Pérez, University of Antioquia

Efficient energy management group (Gimel).

Yuhan Lenis, University of Antioquia

Efficient energy management group (Gimel).

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