Integration of biomass gasification plants in district-heating systems – a systems analysis

Journal article, 2007

With higher targets for CO2 reduction, incentives increase for an efficient use of limited biomass resources. Technologies for gasification of biomass may then play a key role given their potential for high electrical efficiency and multiple outputs; not only electricity but also district heat and transport fuels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the economic consequences of integration of a biomass gasification plant in a district-heating system. The study focuses on co-location with an existing natural gas combined cycle heat and power plant in the municipal district-heating system of Göteborg. The analysis is carried out using a systems modelling approach. The so-called MARTES model is used, which is a simulating, district-heating systems supply model with a detailed time slice division. The results show strongly dependence on the technical solution and the scenario assumptions. For some parameter sets of fuel and electricity prices and policy tools, certain technical solutions for integration of biomass gasification technology in district-heating systems are the cost-optimal solutions.