THERMIE BM./01007/94 Energy farm: an IGCC plant for the production of electricity through gasification of SRF biomass

Contacts




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Electricity : JOULE/THERMIE Programme : Solid Biofuels : Thermochemical Conversion : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	BM./01007/94
	Total Cost	36,710,077 ECU
	EC Contribution '98	1,000,000 ECU
	EC Contribution '49	10,197,229 ECU
	Start Date
	Duration

Energy farm: an IGCC plant for the production of electricity through gasification of SRF biomass

Objectives

The aim of the project is to design, construct and operate in Tuscany (Italy) a power plant based on the integration of an atmospheric gasifier with a combined gas-steam cycle, having a net output of 11.9 MW_e and to demonstrate:

• the production of electricity and heat from short rotation forestry (SRF) via the gasification process, on the basis of reliable gasification technologies
• the successful integration of SRF as a fuel for the power plant under market conditions
• the production of power and heat with low pollutant emissions and zero net carbon dioxide emission

Project Description

An integrated atmospheric gasification combined-cycle plant will be constructed. Three main areas can be distinguished, i.e. the gasification island, the gas cycle island, and the steam cycle island.

The gasification island comprises four main areas, i.e. the biomass drying area, the gasifier area, the gas clean-up area, and the wastewater treatment area. The atmospheric air-blown gasifier has an output of approximately 37 MW_th.

The gas cycle area consists of two gas turbines arranged in parallel which each provides 4.7 MW_e.

The steam cycle area consists of a heat recovery steam generator, a steam turbine connected to a generator providing approximately 5 MW_e, a condenser and an induced draft cooling tower package.

SRF plantations will be established at a relatively short distance from the plant. Biomass will be delivered at the plant at an agreed rate and to an agreed specification. After drying at the plant, the biomass fuel will be fed into the gasifier. The produced synthesis gas will be subjected to stages of filtration, cooling, final cleaning based on wet-scrubbing, and compression prior to combustion in the gas turbines. The flue gas existing from the gas turbines will be used in a heat recovery steam generator to produce steam, while the live steam temperatures will be guaranteed by means of supplementary firing of low pressure synthesis gas.

The net installed capacity amounts to 11.9 MW_e, with an overall electric efficiency of approximately 33% based on the high heating value of the biomass. Individual plant island control systems are integrated into an overall plant management system. The electricity produced will be delivered to the local distribution grid. The plant cycle can be easily modified for cogeneration of heat and power to satisfy future demand of industry planned in an area close to the plant site.

The plant investment cost per installed kW is approximately twice as for conventional equipment for power production An integrated atmosphere because of the plant's innovative character and size. The estimated price per kWh amounts to 0.094 ECU/kWh on an estimated availability of 7000 h/y.

State of Advancement

Ongoing.

Results

The contract with the European Union was signed in the end of 1994. A stock company comprising five of the project's contractors is being constituted to guarantee the most effective executive management of the project. Basic engineering of the plant is in progress.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Dr Giuliano TREBBI / ENEL Societa per Azioni Direzione Studi e Ricerche / ITALY