Enlargement of a biochar particle that has preserved the pore structure of the wood. Photo: TNO
TNO recently developed an innovative method called “EnerChar” to produce clean carbon on a large scale. This method makes it possible to produce biocarbon with various properties, while simultaneously generating heat and capturing CO2. The scalability and ability to custom produce biocarbon make this technology extremely versatile and potentially revolutionary.
“Its use can potentially make a significant contribution to climate objectives. We would therefore like to scale up our Enerchar method, so that biocarbon can soon be produced on a much larger scale.”
Rian Visser, TNO researcher
Biocarbon from biomass
The EnerChar method involves gasifying biomass, including wood residues and residual flows from the food industry, on a grate similar to the one used in waste incinerators. Rian Visser, researcher at TNO, emphasizes the importance of this method as a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil carbon. Not only is clean biocarbon produced, but heat is also generated and CO2 from the chimney can be captured and stored.
Possible applications of biocarbon
The versatility of the EnerChar method opens the door to various applications for biocarbon. Here are some possible usage scenarios:
- Greening of steel production:
Biocarbon can serve as a sustainable alternative to the large amounts of carbon required for steel production. The scalability of the EnerChar method is crucial to deploy this technology cost-effectively on a large scale. - Biocarbon for batteries:
TNO is producing bio-graphite, a form of biocarbon that can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to the natural graphite often used in batteries. - Alternative to peat in horticulture:
Biocarbon can offer a sustainable alternative to the large-scale excavation of peat, which is currently widely used in Dutch horticulture. The use of biocarbon in potting soil can help reduce CO2 emissions and produce negative emissions.
Biocarbon production process
The biocarbon production process according to the EnerChar method involves the gasification of biomass at temperatures between 350-850 degrees Celsius. This process can be adjusted by varying different gases, such as air, steam, flue gas recirculation and CO2. This allows biocarbon to be produced with different qualities depending on the intended application.
The end product is lightweight, porous, and retains the old structure of the biomass, making it suitable for various applications such as horticulture, steel production and battery manufacturing. The EnerChar method offers the possibility of producing “tailor-made biocarbon”, making it a promising and versatile solution in the transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods.
This TNO innovation represents an important step towards a circular and low-carbon economy, where biomass is converted into valuable products in an efficient and sustainable way.
Source TNO
