Pyrolysis is a technology/process that seems to be gaining some momentum in terms of renewable/regenerative energy thinking. There is debate because it requires woody crops and woody residues be pyrolysised and some feel growing crops for this purpose is simply an extension of the same coal burning mentality we are trying to eliminate. However, it does seem that pyrolysis can divert waste materials and highly sustainable, water lean crop sources into the production of biocrude and biochar, (which can potentially act as sources of biofuels) and biochar (to sequester carbon and act as a remediation/enrichment/stabilization agent for soil).

Rob Nelson, Director, Technology Development at VeraSun Energy

Pyrolysis is in fact a fantastic conversion technology, and negativity is not warranted. It is not limited to wood, but in fact trees grown as energy crops can net sometimes more than 10 tons/acre/year (and probably more in the future). It is a densification technology for grass, ag residue, and other trash/waste including tires. You can switch from feedstock to feedstock depending on what is available day to day or region to region. However, unless wood or ag residue is used, it probably can’t be land applied due to heavy metals contamination.

If you look at life cycle analysis it solves many issues. Carbon trading is a plus. The nitrogen and activated carbon that is returned to the soil can be better than just leaving the stover on the ground. In some cases, water holding capacity can be increased 25% due to the activated carbon in the biochar. It also gives bacteria a place to live in the soil. It reduces nutrient leaching when it rains.

The biooil can be burned directly on the farm as a home heating oil. It can also be transported to a central facility to turn into renewable diesel, a chemical equivalent to petroleum diesel fuel and more compatible with temperature ranges than biodiesel.

Pyrolysis – it’s good chemistry.

1. What Is Biochar?

   Definitions of biochar on the Web: Biochar is a charcoal produced from biomass that can store carbon. It is of...

2. Methane – A Way To Store Green Energy Excess

     Converting natural gas in electricity is a known and used technology, but it seems that soon the opposite process...

3. Green Energy Trends 2010

   CleanEdge has just released a report on “Clean Energy Trends 2010”. According to the report: Biofuels (global production and wholesale...

4. US Governmental Sites On Green Energy

   Renewable Energy Trends in Consumption and Electricity 2007 Edition http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/trends/rentrends.html The report, Renewable Energy Trends in Consumption and Electricity, 2007,...