Renewable Power Generation
Biomass is considered to be the oldest type of energy and most of all, a renewable source, due to the fact that is originated from the trees and plants, which through a thermodynamic cycle, they convert to energy with a zero balance carbon emissions. This is because of the fact that the trees and plants, before converted to energy, absorbed equal amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, through photosynthesis procedure.
Energy Generation
Eucalyptus wood (Globulus type) has an average energy content (GCV) of 19MJ/kg.
That rate is significantly high, relatively to other wood / plants. Moreover, in many cases, dry eucalyptus’ calorific value is higher than traditionally used solid fuels such as lignite. Greek Lignite has a value of 8-10MJ/kg, due to its high water content. Consequently, Eucalyptus biomass is considered a top choice for Power Generation, while being a biomass is also considered a Renewable Source of Power.
Power Generation Applications include:
• Combustion
• Wood Gasification
• Combined Cycle Units
• Pyrolysis Plants
Biomass Power Plants
In Greece, EHL is gradually developing a portfolio of 32MW Power Generation. In cooperation with Easy2Find Group, a group of 32 licenses of 1MW each, have been issued and construction of the Power Plants is about to begin. Engineering services and equipment supply are provided by a major European Energy Company, specialized to install Biomass Power Plants. The technology that will be followed is that of wood gasification. Gasification is a thermo-chemical procedure, by which the wood – in form of wood-chips – is converted to gas fuel, named as Synthesis Gas or SynGas. Then, it is imported to an internal combustion engine or gas turbines, and through a power generator, electricity is produced, along with thermal energy. Thermal energy is usually needed for wood drying and gasifier’s pre-heating.
