Techno-economic assessment of fast pyrolysis for the valorisation of short rotation coppice cultivated for phytoextraction

Abstract

The main barrier in the commercialisation of phytoextraction as a sustainable alternative for remediating metal contamined soils is its long time period, which can be countered by biomass valorisation. Fast pyrolysis is promising because its lower process temperature prevents metal volatilisation. A techno-economic assessment has been performed for fast pyrolysis of short rotation coppice. A techno-economic assessment requires by definition a multidisciplinary approach. The problem statement urges for a focus on the economic profitability from the viewpoint of an investor, including economic risk analysis. Fast pyrolysis seems more profitable than gasification. The profit is dependent on the scale of operation, the value of green power certificates and the oil yield. The economic risk can be reduced by increasing the scale of operation by means of complementing feedstocks, and by valorisation of the char byproduct by subsequent processing to activated carbon.