Member - TorPower SA

Biomass will become the most important source of renewable energy. Biomass is abundant as crop residues, forest residues, wood waste, etc. Forest/crop residues are heterogeneous biofuels, varied density, varied ash content, varied physical characteristics. Forest/crop residues harvesting/transportation is costly, meaning very poor return for forest/crop residues to energy projects. Our concept is based on a 3-steps process: 1.- as pre-treatment forest/crop residues are transformed into biocoal through a mild pyrolysis process. The treatment yields a solid uniform product with a higher energy content, higher energy density and with hydrophobic characteristics, making storage easier. 2.- Biocoal is pulverized through a specific milling equipment. 3.- Pulverized biocoal is then fueling a 2-stroke diesel engine for generating power and heat, without any additional liquid fuel. The key-benefits of our process are: - wide range of capacities (from 1.5 MWe to 25 MWe); - modular-type units; - decentralized plant implementation; - easy adaptation to possible future changes in feedstocks quantity and quality; - low emissions into air, land and water; - very high recycling rate; - proven technologies. Each of the process has been validated through intensive tests. We are now in the phase of developing and implementing a first reference plant in Switzerland.