Researchers at the University of Leeds have claimed that more plant matter could be burned in coal fired power stations if the ‘green’ fuel was delivered pre-roasted like coffee beans.
Plants such as the willow, Miscanthus and poplar are virtually carbon neutral – the carbon dioxide produced when they burn is absorbed during photosynthesis by the next batch planted in their place. Many such plants are being burned in place of coal in a bid to cut the carbon footprint of some power stations. But biomass is moist and bulky making it expensive to transport and difficult to store for long periods without it going mouldy.
A process which sees the plant heated to around 300°C in an air-free container, transfers bulky biomass into a dry, energy rich fuel that is cheaper and easier to move around and has a much longer shelf life. This process is known as torrefaction.
The researchers will work with a range of different materials that could potentially replace coal in the future. These include energy crops such as willow and Miscanthus, which are grown specifically for making ‘green’ fuel, as well as waste plant matter from forestry plantations and farms, such as the branches of harvested pine trees and straw.
The Energy Programme is funding the research and the work is being carried out in collaboration with Alstom Power, Drax Power, EON and RWE nPower.
For more information, visit wake up and smell the willow page on the University of Leeds website.