Future applications of circulating fluidized-bed technology

Paper in proceeding, 2021

Considering the climate-change challenge, future thermal and chemical processes must by midcentury be net zero carbon emitting and promote circular processes, phasing out the uptake of fossil fuels from the earth’s crust. This paper discusses how circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology can support such a future. We identify key processes and provide examples of challenges and need for research, demonstration and scale-up. Important CFB applications are both in well-established biomass combustion and gasification, and in novel concepts such as CO2 capture, plastic recycling and energy storage. It is concluded that large scale implementation of these CFB applications is primarily not a technical challenge but requires stronger climate policy as well as policies promoting a circular economy.