Energy conversion parks - a concept case study for the efficient use of locally available biomass streams

Abstract

Within the project ‘Energy Conversion Parks’ a consortium of Belgian and Dutch research institutes is analyzing whether an economically viable concept can be achieved to valorise locally available biomass streams, through the use of synergies and clusters between different biomass streams and conversion technologies. An Energy Conversion Park (ECP) is a multi-dimensional, synergetic concept, converting multiple local biomass streams into useful energy and other bio-based products, through a combination of conversion processes. The project develops a technological concept and a business plan for five pilot Energy Conversion Parks in the South of the Netherlands and in Flanders, Belgium. The five cases have different starting points, like the types and availability of biomass streams, the presence of other industrial activities that can be linked to, and potential energy exchange with nearby companies. A stepwise approach is taken for developing the five pilot plants. First an inventory is made of the locally available biomass, followed by first ideas of a technical concept. Different concepts and scenarios are developed depending on the local conditions, in consultation with local stakeholders, and this will crystallize out along the project. For the most appropriate technical concept an economical and technical feasibility study will be made, together with a sensitivity analysis for the most important parameters. Finally a financial plan will be made, as well as an analysis of societal feasibility to come to a fully developed business case. Important to know is that stakeholder participation has already started from the beginning of each pilot study. This approach is chosen very consciously because of the objective to embed the ECP in the local region. It is envisaged that the technical concepts and business plans developed for each site, will serve as a starting points for investors on these locations. The project is on-going and first results are showing that the bottom-up approach in the five different pilots are evolving spontaneously in a similar way, although the speed of development largely depends on the support and willingness to participate of local parties. All developments are going through a learning process. This process and the experience will be logged in a public manual and knowledge system. The knowledge system will collect the main background data on biomass streams and processing methods, and suggest the optimal approach and points of attention to develop a local energy conversion park. This will help other initiatives to elaborate a similar concept in other locations and contribute to a more sustainable and climate neutral energy supply.