European Bio-Energy Projects

BGGE
Objectives
The 13 MW CHP Plant Based On Biomass
Gasifier With Gas Engines (BGGE) project
started in 2001 with FLS Miljø (DK) as the
project co-ordinator. Other partners
are Lemvig Varmevaerk A.m.b.A. (DK),
Carbona Inc. (FIN), Jenbacher AG (A),
and EnergyPower Resources Ltd. (UK).
The main objective of this project is to
demonstrate and optimise a novel CHP
plant based on biomass gasification on a
full scale (13 MW thermal input). In this
plant, four biogas-fuelled engines will
produce electricity (4 MWe) from gasified
biomass, while the district heat (8 MWth)
will be produced in various heat
exchangers.
Since this is the first time that some of
the main plant components will be built
and integrated on this scale, one important
objective of this project will be the process
optimisation and demonstration of such
integration.
The ultimate goal is to make this
technology competitive with power plants
based on fossil fuel.
CHP plant based on biomass
gasifier and gas engines
Project structure
FLS Miljø is the project coordinator and is
responsible for all technical aspects and
execution of this project. Lemvig Varmevaerk is
the investor, is providing the site for BGGE plant
and will be the end-user of this plant. Together
with a sub-contractor VTT, Carbona is providing
the know-how in biomass gasification and bio-gas
clean-up, and will provide analytical services, data
analysis and will participate in the plant’s
optimisation programme.
Jenbacher is the internal combustion engines
supplier and will perform testing and optimisation
activities. EPR will participate in the BGGE plant
optimisation and technology dissemination, in
particular in the UK.
Challenges
The major innovative parts of the project relate
to the gasification and clean-up of the biogas
from mixed wood biofuel, in particular the tars,
while the major aim with the gas engines is
to increase the power output by up to 30%
and demonstrate reliable operation and long life.
The major risks associated with BGGE plant can
be summarised as:
• Potential for catalyst deactivation;
• Gasifier integration into process; and
• Performance and life of IC engines.
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Expected benefits
The direct benefits of the innovative BGGE plant
for the EU can be summarised as
follows:
1. Based on biomass thermal input of 13 MW,
the plant will generate 8 MWth district heat and
4 MWe electricity, based on CO2-neutral green
energy.
2. The overall efficiency will be 86% while electric
efficiency will be 29%.
3. An annual output of 50,000 MWh of district
heat and 22,000 MWh electricity.
4. The plant will gasify 2.8 tonnes/hour of mixed
wood biofuel and use biogas in gas engines
for electricity production.
5. It will reduce CO2 emissions by 13,000 tonnes
per year.
6. The plant will provide a major part of the
district heating requirements covered by the
existing plant.
7. It will create a number of new permanent
jobs in plant operation and biomass handling.
8. It will serve as a reference plant for the
dissemination of this novel technology.