Biomass Gasification Integrated Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Abstract With rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves and environmental concerns of global warming due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, energy security, and climate change risks have been the most formidable problems before the world today. A quest is on for a renewable and carbon-neutral liquid transportation fuel that can substitute for fossil fuel-derived gasoline and petrol. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which can convert synthesis gas into long-chain and branched hydrocarbons, has been a potential answer to these issues. This technology coupled with biomass gasification (which has been very popular means of decentralized electricity generation) offers an even more attractive solution. In this chapter, we review the scientific, technical, and economic aspects of Biomass Gasification Integrated Fischer-Tropsch (BGIFT) synthesis process. We have given a necessary outline of this technology followed by analysis of a coupled process. The overall conclusion is that the hybrid BGIFT process is economically attractive when used for both fuel and electricity production. With rising international prices of crude oil and the carbon mitigation policy in action (GHG pricing), the BGIFT process will provide a viable and sustainable solution for issues of both energy security and climate change.

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