Why invest in expanding biomass production?
Worldwide, political, business, and community leaders are engaged in major discussions involving the relationships between energy sources, economic growth, the environment, and national security. An alternative to overcome these challenges is the use of biomass for power generation, especially biofuels, which contribute to a sustainable environment and economy.
The use of biomass can reduce forest management costs, help mitigate climate change, reduce risks to life and property, and help provide a safe and competitive energy source.
In Brazil, according to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Union (UNICA), in January 2022 the sugarcane biomass reached 12,021 MW in installed capacity, with 413 thermoelectric plants (TPPs) in operation, using bagasse and straw as the main fuel source.
In addition, two biogas TPPs, in the sugar-energy sector, represent another 32 MW in operation, according to data from the power granted by ANEEL (Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency). Thus, the energy generated by biomass represents 6.6% of the power granted in Brazil, occupying 4th place in the list of energy matrix sources in the country, behind hydro, fossil, and wind power.
The benefits of biomass are numerous
According to Embrapa’s technicians, the progressive increase in the use of energy from renewable sources in the energy matrix, especially bioenergy from biomass, may be one of the best solutions to the challenge of clean energy generation. When produced efficiently and sustainably, energy from biomass brings numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits.
New investments were announced, confirming the promising scenario in Brazil. In the interior of São Paulo, a new plant for the biomass clean and sustainable generation of sugarcane bagasse and straw is under construction, which is expected to start operating by 2024, with an investment of more than half a billion reais (BRL).
And what are the biggest advantages of energy generated from biomass?
- Renewable source
- Reduced cost
- Reduction in the emission of polluting gases
- Generation from various materials
- Reuse of various wastes
Promising global future
Biomass has guaranteed space in the world’s biomass renewable supply. REmap 2030, a global study developed by IRENA (International biomass Renewable Agency), points to an important role for innovative and sustainable technologies of using biomass in efforts to double the share of renewable energy in the global mix of energy generation.
Another report, Global Bioenergy Supply and Demand Projections for the Year 2030 examine the potential of biomass in regions of the world and with different technologies for rapid and sustainable expansion of this vital resource biomass Renewable.
Another report, Global Bioenergy Supply and Demand Projections for the Year 2030 examine the potential of biomass in regions worldwide and with different technologies for rapid and sustainable expansion of this vital resource of renewable energy. This would amount to 20% of the total primary energy supply.
The production environment is challenging
Bioenergy is a renewable energy source derived from organic materials, known as biomass, which can be used to produce fuel, electricity, and heat.
The major challenge for the bioenergy industry is to increase the efficiency of biomass energy production. This is due to the generic materials used in most biomass boiler tubes, which need to be replaced regularly due to deterioration and leaks.
Since 2010, Vallourec has carried out research to minimize the bottlenecks in the sugar and ethanol sector, seeking innovative tube technologies capable of supporting the hostile environment in the air preheater (Pre-Air), with sufficient resistance to reduce the incidence of wear and, consequently, avoid frequent replacements. Thus, VBRMo4 steel was developed, ideal for the plants’ power cogeneration process, which contributes to delivery more efficiency in the generation of renewable energy sources such as biomass.
Highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion processes in boiler air preheaters in sugar and ethanol mills, VBRMo4 steel is up to four times more durable than traditional welded (seamed) pipes.
In the first tests, VBRMo4 showed corrosion rates well below the other materials commonly used in the market. Then tests were carried out using the profilometry technique – where Vallourec’s steel also showed a high performance – and then technicians from the Brazilian National Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro conducted studies in the following harvests. In five years of operation, the steel pipes did not show considerable loss of mass or corrosion.
The study developed by Vallourec’s specialists went further and identified that with the use of VBRMo4 tubes, the reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which calculates the total costs of operation and acquisition, would be approximately BRL 1.5 million per pre-air/plant. The calculation was performed based on the performance history with partner plants and presented results proven in the field.
In addition, financial sustainability from the use of biomass accelerates economic growth with low carbon emissions, a business model aligned with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. New practices offer opportunities for companies to generate long-term value in the sustainability journey, going beyond traditional economic-financial metrics and adopting criteria related to the social and environmental impacts of the organization.
Contact Vallourec’s experts and learn all the advantages of the innovative VBRMo4 steel.
