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North American Biomass and Waste to Energy Markets
Frost & Sullivan, April 2007, Pages: 44
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled North American Biomass and Waste to Energy Markets provides an in-depth analysis of these markets, their development, and growth potential in the next few years. It examines the influence of major drivers and restraints on these markets. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following biomass technologies: incineration technologies that include combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification and bacterial technologies including anaerobic digestion.
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Combustion Technology: This is a form of incineration in which wastes react rapidly with oxygen and produce heat. The original substance is called the fuel, and the source of oxygen is called the oxidizer.
- Pyrolysis and Gasification: These are thermal processes; at high temperatures, they decompose any waste containing carbon. Both technologies use less oxygen than traditional mass-burn incineration. The pyrolysis process degrades waste to produce char (or ash), pyrolysis oil, and synthetic gas (called syngas). The gasification process then breaks down the remaining hydrocarbons into a syngas by using a controlled amount of oxygen.
- Anaerobic Digestion: This refers to the method in which microorganisms break down wastes in the absence of oxygen in an enclosed vessel.
Market Overview
Tax Incentives and Subsidies to Substantially Boost Biomass Power Markets
The concept of generating energy from biomass is becoming increasingly popular in North America as it offers an environment-friendly renewable energy solution. This is a great advantage at a time when concerns about North America’s dependence on foreign oil are rapidly increasing. However, despite recognizing the benefits of biomass energy, state governments in North America have been slow to develop this as a primary energy source. In fact, concrete national biomass strategies were not formulated until the Federal Government devised clear renewable energy frameworks. However, various developments such as the ratification of the Kyoto protocol, tax incentives for waste-to-energy plants, and Clean Air Act standards are expected to bring about extensive changes in the biomass and waste-to-energy markets.
'To offset the high initial investment costs of biomass power plants compared to conventional fossil fuel-fired technologies, governments and agencies have introduced various incentives and subsidies, in some cases up to 50.0 percent of the investment costs,' remarks the analyst of this research service. 'This move is likely to help biomass power plants become more competitive and on par with fossil fuel-fired power plants.' Simultaneously, increasing public awareness about utilizing biomass energy and the many associated environmental benefits will play a key role in promoting the adoption of the renewable energy concept on a large scale. All these factors combined are expected to drive strong interest in purchasing electricity from renewable sources, while phasing out the concept of electricity generation from fossil fuels.
Underdeveloped Feedstock Resources Could Pose a Major Challenge
In light of the fast rate of growth of biomass fuel technologies, questions are arising over whether feedstock derived from waste or industrial by-products will be sufficient to sustain this level of growth. It seems increasingly clear that the cultivation of crops as fuel is vital to promote growth and realize the complete potential of biomass energy in the future. While many countries are likely to be able to meet their emission reduction targets even without taking such measures, the industry is equally likely to face a critical situation in the long term, owing to shortage of feedstock.
Most technologies entering the market are proven technologies in other areas such as nuclear or hazardous waste management. Other technologies such as digesters have tried to enter the market but have failed due to lack of maturity. Assessing and proving the cost effectiveness of energy-generating systems using various technologies including gasification, pyrolysis, and digesters can only be done through practical experience in regular operations. 'Once these technologies have overcome teething problems and have proven to be viable options offering superior performance over existing plants for the generation of electricity and reduction of waste, the biomass and waste-to-energy markets are expected to witness strong growth.'
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