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UTILIZATION OF BIOMASS PYROLYSIS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION,

SOIL FERTILITY AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION


ROBERT HAWKINS, JON NILSSON, REBECCA OGLESBY AND DANNY DAY
Summary of information presented May 7, 2007 at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development
Partnerships Fair - Partnership in New Technologies for Small Island Developing States

Abstract. New pyrolysis technologies have been developed that allow for carbon sequestration through
the production of sustainable energy from biomass (bioenergy). These systems produce charcoal (biochar)
and energy in the form of heat, steam, electricity, or liquid fuels. Purified hydrogen can also be produced,
allowing production of ammonia and future electric systems that utilize hydrogen (such as hydrogen fuel
cells). Pyrolysis energy systems produce more power than they consume, and can supply their own power
utilizing waste heat from the system. Therefore, this technology could be deployed without the need for
existing energy infrastructure. The biochar is a carbon-based co-product that has value as a soil
amendment, containing nutrients such as potassium (K), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg) and calcium
(Ca). When placed in the soil, an increase in soil organic matter (SOM) is observed, along with increases
in crop productivity, water retention, and soil biological activity as well as a decreased fertilizer
requirement. Pyrolysis technology can be deployed on a large industrial scale, or on small farm or
community scales. In these applications it can produce fuel, heat, electricity and fertilizer from crop
residues and wastes. The deployment of new biochar and bio-energy systems creates economic
opportunities for local communities through the creation of new businesses that develop to support its
infrastructure (suppliers of bio-wastes, manufacturer and distribution of co-products, and related
agricultural application services etc.). Due to its adaptability to a wide range of feedstocks, over 60
organizations are now involved in biochar research worldwide.
(http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/organizations).

Biomass Transport
- manure Energy
Biofuel
- organic wastes Coproducts
bio-oil
- crop residues Industry
hydrogen
- wood waste

Pyrolysis

Residual Heat

Optionally, N2, NOX,


SOX, CO2 can be added
to increase C sink and
nutrient content

Returned to
soil as bio-char

Figure 1. Concept of low-temperature pyrolysis bio-energy with biochar sequestration.


Typically, about 50 % of the pyrolyzed biomass is converted into biochar and can be returned to soil.
(Adapted from: Lehmann, J. 2007, Bioenergy in the black. Front Ecol Environ 2007; 5(7): 381387)
Biomass Pyrolysis Technology
At the 2007 United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, a new system of converting biomass to
energy was presented which can reduce dependence on oil. This technology is called biomass pyrolysis. In
this system, biomass is exposed to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing energy and co-
products. Although pyrolysis biofuel production represents only a small portion of energy production
worldwide (UNDP 2004), it has the potential to generate electricity at a cost lower than any other biomass-to-
electricity technology available (Bridgewater et. al. 2002). A main advantage to implementing this technology
is that a pyrolysis system can supply its own power and heat by utilizing waste heat from the system, so there
is no need to supply power or heat from outside sources (Iwasaki, 2003). Therefore, these systems can be
deployed without the need for existing energy infrastructure. With these new advances, well over 15 countries
are now involved in commercializing biomass pyrolysis systems (http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/company).
Recent development by EPRIDA, Inc. have made this technolgy more scaleable to agricultural industries with
two sizes of pyrolysis units. The first processes 1-ton of biomass per hour unit and produces 1 mw of
electricity, 1 megawatt of usable heat and 300 pounds of charcoal per hour. The second processes 25kg of
biomass per hour, producing 25 kw of heat and electricity and 20 pounds of charcoal per hour. The Eprida
process was developed through research conducted with the National Renewable Energy Labs, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy, USDA Agricultural
Research Service, University of Georgia and Iowa State University.

The EPRIDA pyrolysis plant located at the Biomass Conversion Center in Athens, GA.

Biomass Pyrolysis vs. Conventional Biomass to Energy Systems


In conventional use of biomass for fuel, biomass is harvested and burned, and like fossil fuels, releases
compounds back to the atmosphere. This contributes to increased greenhouse gases. In order for the energy
cycle to be truly carbon neutral, an amount of biomass equal to that which was harvested must be re-grown so
that the plants can absorb an equivalent amount of CO2. To be a steady fuel supply, biomass crops require an
increase in agricultural production, which further depletes soil nutrients and minerals. This reduces the ability
to grow biomass in the future. Therefore, although biomass crops are a renewable source of energy, they are
not necessarily sustainable. With biomass pyrolysis, what was previously considered agricultural waste (crop
residues, wood wastes, manures) can create energy and nutrient enhancing soil supplements. The energy
created can be converted into several forms including hydrogen and electricity, which can be used to power
small farms or fed back onto the energy grid.
Examples of feedstocks include: coconut husks, corn stover, bean stubble, tobacco stalks, wastes from
agricultural processing, wood wastes from manufacturing and lumber industries, demolition wood wastes,
short-rotation energy crops, municipal solid waste, manure and sewage (Antal 1982). By using agricultural
wastes, biomass pyrolysis does not compete with food production.

The Products of Biomass Pyrolysis


The main products generated by biomass pyrolysis are pyrolysis vapors, heat and charcoal (biochar). These
outputs can be used in a wide range of applications.

1. Pyrolysis vapors can be condensed to form bio-oil


Bio-oil is a complex mixture of oxygenated hydrocarbons and water that can be used as low grade heating fuel.
Due to its high density, bio-oil is much more economical to transport than either biomass or hydrogen (Czernik
et al., 2007). The heating value of bio-oil is about 40% to 50% of that for petroleum-based fuels (Yaman,
2004) and about 60% of ethanol (Raveendran et al., 1996). Bio-oil can be refined to be used as a source of
chemical feedstock for gasoline, can be added to petroleum refinery feedstock or combusted in raw form
(Samolada et al., 1998). Biomass pyrolysis allows biomass to be processed at dispersed locations where wastes
are generated and bio-oil can be transported to a central refinery or power plant. Cost benefits are significant
due to the high price of transporting biomass feedstock over large distances (>30 km). Decentralized
production of bio-oil also makes sense since biomass is often generated in rural areas where bio-oil can be
processed for use in agricultural machinery.

2. Pyrolysis vapors can be used directly for energy


In this scenario it is not necessary to condense pyrolysis vapors into bio-oil to extract the energy. Pyrolysis
vapors can be burned directly as fuel for integrated heat and power production, or refined to produce fuels and
chemicals such as gasoline, diesel, alcohols, olefins, oxychemicals, synthetic natural gas and high purity
hydrogen (Magrini-Bair and others, 2007). If the energy is needed for local use, such as on a small farm, it is
better to work with the pyrolysis vapors in this form.

3. Pyrolysis vapors can be treated to produce synthetic gas (syngas)


Utilizing steam reforming, pyrolysis vapors can produce a syngas consisting of over 50% hydrogen, plus CO,
CO2, and small amounts of methane (Czernik et al., 2007). Since these gases are comprised of hydrocarbons,
they should not be emitted into the atmosphere in an unaltered state. Instead they can be converted into a clean
burning, mid BTU fuel, similar to natural gas. This can be combusted in existing engines, generators, boilers,
and turbines to produce heat, steam and electricity. Syngas is also suitable as a cooking fuel and can substitute
for propane or natural gas in uses such as home heating. High purity hydrogen from syngas can be suitable for
use in hydrogen engines, fuel cells (Czernik et al., 2007) and for production of ammonia fertilizers. The
current largest use of hydrogen in the world today is for the production of ammonia. Utilizing pyrolysis to
generate hydrogen could replace natural gas as the primary feedstock required to manufacture ammonia based
fertilizers. The production of ammonia using natural gas emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and fixes
the price of fertilizer to the price of natural gas. Production of ammonia from syngas could change this,
allowing the price of fertilizer to become influenced by the lower price of biomass wastes.

4. Pyrolysis syngas can create synthetic liquid fuels


Pyrolysis of biomass is one of the leading near-term options for renewable production of hydrogen and has the
potential to provide a significant fraction of transportation fuel required in the future (Czernik et al., 2007).
This can be achieved by use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles or hydrogen powered combustion engines.
Pyrolysis syngas can be used to produce transportation fuels that work with current infrastructures and
technologies. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide, main components of the pyrolysis syngas, are the reactants
necessary to produce liquid fuels (methanol, ethanol, gasoline, aviation fuel and diesel fuel) via Fischer-
Tropsch (F-T) synthesis. F-T synthesis is regarded as the key technological component for converting syngas
to transportation fuels and other liquid products (Wilhelm and others, 2001). F-T diesel is not bio-diesel. FT
diesel is a clear liquid that gives complete combustion with no particulate emissions and has a higher energy
density that petroleum diesel and biodiesel. F-T diesel can be used in all existing diesel engines and can be
mixed without a maximum mixture level with petroleum diesel (Wilhelm and others 2001). For instance Audi
won the 24 Hours at LeMans sports car race with F-T diesel. Currently, F-T fuels are produced from syngas
originating from natural gas and coal. Biomass syngas can replace fossil fuels as the primary feedstock.

5. Pyrolysis vapors can produce non-energy products


Pyrolysis vapors can also be used to produce a number of co-products such as wood preservative, meat
browning, food flavorings, adhesives, or specific chemical compounds (Czernik, 2004). Liquid smoke, the
chemical used to add smoke flavor to foods, is currently produced by pyrolysis of mesquite and other
hardwoods. In local agricultural applications these vapors can be condensed and used as insecticides,
herbicides, and fungicides (Steiner, 2007). The bio-oil by product from these processes can be refined as a
source of chemical feedstocks to yield products such as acetic acid (vinegar).

Figure 2. Co-products from Biomass Pyrolysis Eprida 2008

6. Biomass pyrolysis can create valuable soil amendments


One of the most exciting new benefits of biomass pyrolysis is its ability to produce valuable soil amendments
in the form of charcoal (biochar). Biochar is currently used by Japan and in some parts of the world by
indigenous tribes. Recent archeological exploration has found that indigenous peoples of the Amazon used
charcoal to enrich their soil over 1,000 years ago. This was due to the discovery of a black colored soil in the
Amazon basin of Brazil termed Terra Preta. It is believed that prior to the arrival of Europeans, the charcoal in
these soils was added by native Amazonians to create arable farmland (Lehmann et al., 2006). Phosphorus (P)
and calcium (Ca) are normally scarce in the very acidic Oxisols and Utisols that are predominant in this region.
In contrast, Terra Preta soils contain higher levels of P and Ca with a higher, almost neutral pH (Glaser et al.,
1998). Another distinctive feature of Terra Preta soil is the high stability of its soil organic matter (SOM), and
high cation exchange capacity (Sombroek, 2003), all factors that improve soil fertility.
The use of charcoal as a soil amendment is not
limited to ancient civilizations such as the ones that
created Terra Preta. New research has shown that
biochar is more efficient at increasing soil fertility
and nutrient retention than un-charred organic
matter (Lehmann et al., 2006). Carbon enhanced
SOM offers direct value through improved water
infiltration, water holding capacity, structural
stability, cation exchange capacity, soil biological
activity and as a CO2 sink (Lehmann, 2007).
Charcoal can also reduce fertilizer runoff and
adsorb ammonium ions.
The use of biochar has recently been authorized for
use as a soil amendment in Japan. Of all of the
charcoal used in Japan in 1999, the highest
Figure 3: Eprida biochar from Pelletized Pine Eprida, 2006 percentage of use was in agricultural land as a soil
amendment.
The second highest use was in the livestock industry where it used for animal feed and deodorization (Okimori
et al.,2003). In the U.S. a system has been developed where biochar can be amended with ammonium
bicarbonate producing a valuable carbon based fertilizer called ECOSS (Day and others, 2005).
Other benefits of biochar include its ability to: adsorb soil-damaging pesticides and neutralize natural toxins in
decomposing organic materials (Yelverton and others, 1996), and increase soil organic content (Blanco-Canqui
et al., 2004). On farm trials in the U.S., a 20% increase in corn yield and a 520% in mycorrhizal populations
(beneficial soil fungi that plants depend on) was observed where carbon based soil amendments were applied at
7-9 pounds per acre. In two years of trials at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, a similar product achieved a 10%
increase in sweet corn yield, a 30-pound per acre savings in nitrogen for Irish potatoes and a 22% increase in
tomato yield (Morse, R and P. Stevens, 2006, 2007). Observations in the field also verified reduced need for
irrigation where carbon based amendments were applied. Under proper conditions, scientists have also shown
that when added to soil, biochar has the potential to increase soil carbon sequestration by as much as 400%. This
is due to its beneficial effects on soil microorganisms, which convert soluble organic matter into stable organic
compounds (Day, Reicosky, Nichols 2005).
In Hawaii, with electricity costs being some of the highest in the U.S., a company called EGEN is in negotiation
to provide a pyrolysis plant for the island of Kauai. In this instance, the Kauai Utility has a program in place that
allows generators of electricity to sell power on the grid or to a third party vendor with a 100% tax credit over a
period of five years. In this case biochar will be used to generate electricity while also improving sustainability
of agricultural cropland (http://www.egenindustries.com). In Australia, a similar concept is being developed for
desalination of water (http://www.eprida.com). Recently, this technology has been scaled down so that small
farms or farm cooperatives can own and operate a unit. This enables them to produce their own fuel and
fertilizer.

7. Biomass pyrolysis can be used to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide


Charcoal is commonly used for heating and cooking, and in many developing countries is the only available fuel.
In traditional methods of charcoal manufacturing all the valuable chemicals (tars, oils and smoke) and heat
escape into the atmosphere. While biomass pyrolysis can provide fuel for heating and cooking, it is vastly
different than the smoking kilns and barrels that are currently used throughout the world. Pyrolysis systems that
produce biochar and energy do not produce pollution, contaminate water supplies, or create waste disposal
problems. To ensure that systems producing biochar are clean and do not contribute to green house gas (GHG)
pollution, an organization called the International Biochar Initiative has formed and is setting standards for this
product (http://www.biochar-international.org/home.html). Biomass pyrolysis can sequester up to 50% of the
initial carbon (C) input and return it to the soil. The initial loss of C can be used for energy production and can
offset fuel use (Figure 1.). This contrasts greatly with burning of biomass, which sequesters 3% of the initial C
as charcoal, with the rest being emitted to the atmosphere, or biological decomposition which retains only 10
20% of initial C after 5 10 years (Lehmann et al., 2006). Therefore, with its ability to capture and store carbon
in the soil, biomass pyrolysis can deliver tradable carbon emission reductions (Lehmann, et.al. 2006).
Controlled pyrolysis has recently been approved by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for avoidance of methane production from biomass decay.
(http://cdm.unfccc.int/UserManagement/FileStorage/CDMWF_AM_C7UWTIEMRJ05M3D02XWDW80JN989IP).
In a CDM feasibility study on pyrolysis at an industrial tree plantation, it was calculated that annual processing
of 368,000 tons of biomass would provide emissions reductions of 230,000 tons of CO2 per year and could
provide jobs for approximately 2,600 people (Okimori, 2003). The latest figures published by the World Bank
indicate that the carbon market grew in value to an estimated US$30 billion in 2006 (23 billion), three times
greater than the previous year. As of November 2007, over 850 carbon-offset projects have been registered
worldwide with about seven percent of them in the area of biomass fuels (UNEP 2008 Yearbook).

Conclusions
Biomass fuels such as wood, herbaceous materials and agricultural by-products currently form the worlds third
largest primary energy resource, behind coal and oil. At best, conventional biomass to energy is considered to
be carbon neutral. Harvesting biomass to produce energy may not be sustainable because it can result in reduced
soil productivity by depletion of carbon and nutrients. Biomass pyrolysis addresses this dilemma, because it can
utilize waste products and about half of the original carbon can be returned to the soil (Lehmann, 2007).
Utilizing biomass pyrolysis for the production of fuels also has significant advantages when compared to coal
fuels because it can eliminate the need for post combustion scrubbing and can reduce nitric oxide (NOx)
formation (Bisio et al., 1995). In fact such energy is actually CARBON NEGATIVE, because for each carbon
molecule recycled back to the atmosphere, one is buried in the soil, so the net effect is to reduce atmospheric
CO2!

The deployment of biomass pyrolysis systems can create new local businesses, job opportunities and raise the
income of people in rural communities (Okimori et al., 2003). Farming communities can benefit most from this
system because the biochar co-product can reduce or eliminate purchased fertilizers while sequestering
atmospheric CO2 (Glaser and others., 2002). This can create new profit centers for landowners by creating
carbon credits and energy, which farmers can use or sell. This can decentralize fertilizer and energy distribution,
making resources more available to farmers. It can reduce agricultural dependence on petroleum and natural gas
based products by allowing regional energy production that is cost competitive with fossil fuels.

Although biomass pyrolysis represents only a small portion of energy production worldwide it has the potential
to generate energy at a lower cost than other energy systems. With its carbon negative footprint, biomass
pyrolysis has the ability to do this in a way that can contribute to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Given
that 1) soil organic carbon is one of the largest reservoirs in interaction with the atmosphere and 2) enhancing
natural processes is thought to be the most cost-effective means of reducing atmospheric CO2; biomass
pyrolysis provides a way forward toward overcoming the obstacles that are facing biofuels production today. In
the words of USDA Soil Scientist, David Laird, we now have A WinWinWin Scenario for Simultaneously
Producing Bioenergy, Permanently Sequestering Carbon, while Improving Soil and Water Quality (Laird,
2008).
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