BioMatNet Item: FP6 - Background information - FP6 RTD Projects of Relevance to use of Biomass

FP6 - Background information
FP6 RTD Projects of Relevance to use of Biomass

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Website: ec.europa.eu/research/energy/index_en.htm

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Background Information : Chemical Conversion : Crops for Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Thermochemical Conversion : Wood (Lignocellulose)

A number of biomass energy projects are being funded within FP6. These can be divided into those from which the results are expected to have a short to medium term commercial impact and those where the impact is expected in the medium to long term. These are managed by the Energy and Transport Directorate (DG TREN) and the Research Directorate (DG RTD) respectively.

Several different types of project are being funded. These include:

Networks of Excellence
Integrated Projects
Specific Targeted Research Projects
Specific Support Actions

Projects include:

Network of Excellence

NOE-BIOENERGY This Network covers all aspects of bioenergy. Working in close co-operation with industry, it will analyse limiting factors across the entire chain of biomass utilisation for energy. Partner activities will be integrated so as to ensure that some activity continues beyond the period of financial support from the Commission. Various aspects to be investigated include the mixed feedstock base, the competing uses of biomass, the complex properties of bio-materials and socio-economic factors related to crop production, technical challenges and economic aspects.

Integrated Projects

RENEW The main objective of the RENEW project is to research and develop second-generation biofuels for use in modern combustion engines. A wide range of pathways will be studied for the production of road fuels from a broad range of biomass, notably lignocellulosic. A further objective is the assessment of the energy chain, the costs and CO₂ emissions, by well-to-tank and LCA analysis. The most promising biofuels will be produced on a pilot scale.

CHRISGAS The project will develop a process to produce clean hydrogen-rich synthesis gas at a scale of 18 MWth 7000 Nm³/hr of wet gas based on the gasification biomass, followed by upgrading, hot gas cleaning and steam reforming. Conversion of solid biofuel, high-temperature purification and operation with various feedstock will all be demonstrated.

Specific Targeted Research Projects

BIOASH The project is investigating the release of ash-forming components from biomass fuels in fixed-bed and pulverised-fuel combustion systems. Thermodynamic data, not currently available, concerning the melting behaviour of Na-, Zn- and Pb-rich ashes will be collected and a new technology will be developed for efficient aerosol precipitation in small-scale biomass combustion units.

COPOWER The project will identify technical nd economic barriers for the utilisation of biomass in Portugal, Italy and Turkey. Fuel-preparation systems, available waste, used fuel blends, and ash behaviour will be evaluated. Levels of pollutants and ashes formed during cofiring will be analysed. The project is addressing the whole chain of fuel supply for cofiring, optimising multi-fuel combustion processes, and environmental behaviour.

BIOCELLUS The project will study the performance characteristics of SOFC membranes for different gas compositions and operating conditions. An appropriate gas-cleaning concept will be developed and an innovative stack concept using heat pipes will be demonstrated.

GREEN FUEL CELLS The project aims to develop a tar-decomposition and gas-cleaning system for integration into biomass gasifiers enabling them to produce a gas suitable for use in SOFC fuel cells. A basic design for a 1-50 MWth innovative gasifier and gas treatment will be developed, resulting in a gas tar content of below 10 mg tar/Nm³ gas. It is aiming for carbon conversion rates of 99% and higher and a cold gas efficiency of greater than 85%.

BIO-PRO The project aims to develop new combustion technologies for bio-residues such as flameless oxidation and continuous air staging. A pilot burner for gaseous and liquid fuels and one for solid fuels will be developed. The burners will be self-adjusting to different fuel qualities.

CROPGEN This project will identify energy crops and agro-wastes best suited to energy production in an integrated farming environment. Storage and pretreatment will be considered. The results will be a European database on bioenergy crops which gives engineers the necessary tools to develop the technology and provide the farming community with evidence of profitable energy production.

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