Possible effects of torrefaction on biomass trade
Low-cost preconditioning technologies that can convert and modify different sources of solid biomass into a specification-driven bioenergy feedstock with similar or even better characteristics compared to coal could greatly enhance trade and usage of biomass in the existing transportation and conversion infrastructure. A mild pyrolysis process called torrefaction is on the verge of commercialisation, as the technology seems to have left the ‘valley of death’ behind. Current development leaves little doubt that this technology will find its way into the biomass-to-energy value chain in the next few years. This IEA Bioenergy Task 40 study focuses on the possible effects torrefaction may have on future international biomass trade.
The report can be downloaded here
