Title:
Bio-Energy Conversion Park in the Province of Limburg (Belgium) - An Economic Viability Check of a Biomass Utilization Concept for Bio-Energy
Author(s):
Guisson, R., Van Dael, M., Van Passel, S., Devriendt, N., Pelkmans, L.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
A bio-energy conversion park (bio-ECP) is a multi-dimensional, synergetic concept, converting multiple biomass streams into useful energy and other bio-based products, through an integrated combination of conversion processes and technologies (such as combustion, gasification, digestion, pyrolysis,…). The concept focuses on the use of unexploited biomass (residue) streams which are locally (radius ca. 30 km) available and currently not or hardly used. The goal of the project is to demonstrate potential economic and technical advantages of using these biomass streams in a bio-ECP concept. Therefore a technological concept and a business plan are being developed for five pilot bio-ECP's. The paper focuses on the implementation of a pilot bio-ECP in the province of Limburg in the east of Flanders (Belgium). A ten step approach and some lessons learned from the introduction of a bio-ECP project are presented, which can be used as a guide for policy makers and local investors. The steps consist of: (1) determining the bio-ECP location, (2) stakeholder consultation (local authority, local industry, related projects,…), (3) assessing local biomass potential for energy production (waste, agriculture, forestry, industry), (4) assessing local energy demand, (5) matching local bio-energy potential and local energy demand, (6) sounding board with local interested parties, (7) defining the bio-ECP concept and viability check, (8) scenario development, (9) business case selection and defining the business strategy (individual roles, cooperation agreements and communication strategy), (10) and finally, the start-up of the bio-ECP. The bio-ECP concept is being studied and developed with the financial support of the European Interreg IVa programme Flanders-Netherlands, and co-funded by Dutch and Flemish authorities (national and provinces). The project runs for a period of three years from April 2010 until March 2013.
Keywords:
biomass conversion, demonstration, feasibility studies, residues, local biomass, bioenergy integration
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Biomass strategies and policies
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5DO.10.4
Pages:
2166 - 2171
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-5DO.10.4
Price:
FREE
