Abstract
Biomass-energy systems are considered to be environmentally superior to traditional ones from the viewpoints of the CO 2 mitigation and the effective utilization of resources. However, the energy cost of these systems tends to be higher than that of conventional fossil-fuel systems. Furthermore, the establishment of environmental business models is expected in the near future.In this paper, the environmental improvement and the economics of a biomass-energy system in a sawmill are analyzed by a comparison of a gasification-cogeneration system with a direct-combustion system using scrap-wood material as feedstock fuel. Especially, the break-even point for marketability of the business taking the surplus electric-power into consideration is estimated under the assumption of a renewable-energy purchase system, such as the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) implemented in Japan. Consequently, when biomass-related subsidies are applied, the break-even point of the purchase price of the electric power from the gasification cogeneration becomes 7.7 → 35.7 yen/kW h. Furthermore, if the construction cost decreases by 10%, the break-even point of the purchase price will be cheaper by about 7.4 yen/kW h.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
