Co-Firing Biomass: Will Ash and Pollution Equipment Issues Be Showstoppers?

Abstract

Utility-scale co-firing of biomass and coal to generate electricity is relatively undeveloped in North America, but many utilities are investigating biomass co-firing as an option, particularly for meeting renewable portfolio standards (RPS). Although economic factors will be the main factor influencing the growth of this technology, this report investigates two additional concerns: whether biomass will have a negative effect upon selective catalytic reduction (SCR) pollution control equipment and whether it will jeopardize current practices of selling fly ash as a cement substitute in concrete.

This report considers the results from research and operating experience in the U.S., as well as from a somewhat greater body of research in Europe to determine how the chemical and physical properties of biomass could affect these two issues. In particular, we focus on the potential effects of co-firing biomass in low proportions, typically less than 15%.