Feasibility of Biomass Co-firing in Large Boilers—The Case of EPBiH Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

This paper investigates the possibilities and the sustainability of “biomass for power” solutions on a real power system. The case example is JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d.—Sarajevo (EPBiH), a typical conventional coal-based power utility operating in the region of South East Europe. Biomass use is one of the solutions considered in EPBiH as a means of increasing shares of renewable energy sources (RES) in final energy production and reducing CO2 emissions. This ultimately is a requirement for all conventional coal-based power utilities on track to meet their greenhouse gas (GHG) cut targets by 2050. The paper offers possible options of biomass co-firing in existing coal-based power plants as a function of sustainability principles, considering environmental, economic and social aspects of biomass use. In the case of EPBiH, the most beneficial would be waste woody biomass and energy crop co-firing on existing coal-based power plants, as suggested by biomass market analyses and associated technological studies including lab-scale tests. Four different options were considered, based on different ratios of biomass for co-firing: 0 %w-reference case, 5, 7 and 10 %w of biomass. The CO2 parameter proved to be a key sustainability indicator, effecting the most decision making with regard to preference of options from the point of economy and sustainability. Following up on the results of the analyses, the long-term projection of biomass use in EPBiH has shown an increase in biomass utilization of up to 450,000 t/y in 2030 and beyond, with associated CO2 cuts of up to 395,000 t/y. This resulted in a 4 % CO2 cut achieved with biomass co-firing, compared to the 1990 CO2 emission level. It should be noted that the proposed assessment model for biomass use may be applied to any conventional coal-based power utility as an option in contributing to meeting specific CO2 cut targets, provided that the set of input data are available and reliable.