RESEARCH LINE
Biomass and biogenic carbon capture
Main Researcher
Objetives
The specific objectives are to analyze the combustion behaviour of unconventional biomasses in order to support their increased integration into heat production systems and to assess the feasibility of using biomass as replacement of fossil-fuels in energy intensive industries, in particular under oxy-fuel combustion conditions, moving forward to the concept of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
ChALLENGES
- Cost-effective implementation of carbon capture technologies based on bio-energy resources
- Detailed characterization of biomass conversion under specific oxy-fuel combustion to be implemented in large-scale intensive energy industries
- Design of new predictive tools, based on ternary diagrams, to assess the tendencies of ash sintering and deposition.
- Validation of these tools in commercial stoves and boilers.
- Development of controlled blends of various types of residual biomass with low ash-related issues.
- Analysis of residual biomasses from emerging markets.
ECO2Lab aims at promoting the use of biomass resources in small and medium industrial boilers to heat production, along with its penetration in larger industrial processes enabling CO2 emissions reduction.
This line of research explores the potential of residual and unconventional biomasses as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels in energy-intensive sectors, while also laying the groundwork for negative emissions technologies through bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
Our work combines experimental combustion studies, ash behaviour modelling, and techno-economic assessments to evaluate the feasibility, performance, and sustainability of biomass integration. A particular focus is placed on oxy-fuel combustion, which enhances CO₂ separation and storage potential when using biomass as fuel.
We also develop predictive tools for ash sintering and deposition risks, validate them in commercial combustion systems, and design low-impact biomass blends tailored to minimize operational issues. Through this research, ECO2Lab contributes to accelerating the deployment of clean, reliable, and scalable bioenergy systems that support industrial decarbonization.
