Game-changing biomass combustion technology
Biomass for energy (bioenergy) is the main source of renewable energy in the EU, with the heating and cooling sector the largest end user. Bioenergy plays a pivotal role in meeting the EU’s climate targets under the European Green Deal that includes, amongst others, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in the share of renewable energy. However, many of today’s technologies used in energy plants are unable to meet the EU’s target for lower emissions without the aid of costly emission reduction systems added to their solutions. The technology of Dall Energy, a company that creates and implements innovative solutions for biomass-based energy plants, meets the demand for lower emissions. The EU-funded DEBS project set out to validate and upscale one of their technologies, a biomass furnace that can outperform prominent grate combustion technology in the industry. “Additionally, we aimed to develop a name in the French energy market and other EU markets,” notes Jens Dall Bentzen, project coordinator.
Revolutionary technology launched into the energy market
The patented Dall Energy biomass furnace combines updraft gasification with gas combustion. “It reduces dust and particle emissions by more than 90 % and can easily meet EU emission demands,” explains Bentzen. In addition, the furnace offers several benefits, including a reduction of about 50 % in maintenance costs, 30 % lower investment requirements due to its design, and a reduction of up to 40 % in fuel costs. The technology is very fuel flexible, enabling the conversion of a wide range of low-value fuels in the same furnace. “Through the project, we have achieved validation and upscaling of the furnace to a larger size. We have also become well known in the French market and are now offering our technology to major energy companies in France,” says Bentzen. Dalkia, which is part of the EDF group, a French multinational electric utility company, is an example. It currently operates hundreds of energy plants in France and has been tasked with expanding the district heating network in the city of Rouen. To do this, it will install a new heating plant based on Dall Energy gasification technology to comply with the city’s requirement for reducing its environmental footprint. “Additionally, we are now well known in other markets, having discussions with energy companies such as EON and ABB,” adds Bentzen.
Looking towards the future
There are about 4 000 biomass energy plants in the EU that can enjoy the benefits that this furnace brings. The furnace can also help the EU meet its 2050 climate goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95 % below 1990 levels and secure a competitive and decarbonised energy system. Discussing what may come next, Bentzen explains: “In the short term, in a year’s time, our focus will be on the Danish and French markets. In the longer term, we aim to be the biggest supplier of biomass plants in Europe. We are moving forward and partnering with large energy companies. Currently, we are making a collaboration agreement with ABB. I have also hired a new sales manager to help us with our expansion into Europe.”
Keywords
DEBS, furnace, biomass, energy plants, combustion, gasification, greenhouse gas emissions
