Bioenergy RES hybrids − assessment of status in Finland, Austria, Germany, and Denmark

Abstract

This paper surveys the status and future prospects of bioenergy renewable energy source (RES) hybrids, i.e. energy conversion processes that have at least two renewable energy inputs, one of which is bioenergy. Finland, Austria, Germany and Denmark were the case study countries. We found that the implementation of bioenergy RES hybrids was already ongoing in various sectors, but a majority of them was focused on domestic heating applications. Bioenergy can be used to provide flexible resources for both energy supply and energy storage. An important motivation behind hybrid systems is the possibility of switching between different energy sources in an optimal way. No significant technical limitations were identified for surveyed hybrid systems, but the future economic potential of bioenergy RES hybrids remains difficult to estimate as the value of flexibility cannot be assessed in isolation from the energy system.

Valorization of Biomass Power Generation System: Noble Use of Combustion and Integration with Energy Storage

“…They also pointed out that, at present, there is no universal methodology for evaluating flexibility in isolation from the energy system, making feasibility always case-specific, and that the common method to use, LCOE, is not useful for comparing energy generators at widely various capacity factors. 46 In the near future, (1) non-steady-state operation, (2) repeatability, and (3) reduction of the cost of biomass power generation and energy storage systems are critically important factors in addition to considering resource availability, biodiversity, and environmental impacts.…”

“…In recent studies, it was reported that biofuel CHP plants with and without energy storage can provide flexibility to balance the intermittency of VRE and power demand. ,,, Table summarizes recent publications on biomass power generation systems combined with VRE. Currently, several methods have been proposed such as a direct solar injection into a gasifier, − a preheating of steam or air to a gasifier − or to a boiler, − preheating HTF to GT, − or preheating steam to ST. ,− Other methods such as preheating of biogas before gasifier, internal combustion (IC) engines combined with PV and secondary batteries, , and a photothermal reactor have also been reported.…”

“…The role of bioenergy has to change dramatically from a monovalent all-year-long supply system to a smart, flexible energy source, which can fill the gaps when other renewables are not available in the required amount or quality” (p 210). Hakkarainen and Hannula reported in their recent excellent review that the implementation of bioenergy and energy storage systems was already conducted in many sectors, but the majority was for domestic heating applications. They also pointed out that, at present, there is no universal methodology for evaluating flexibility in isolation from the energy system, making feasibility always case-specific, and that the common method to use, LCOE, is not useful for comparing energy generators at widely various capacity factors .…”

“…In this review, the author summarizes (1) economic values of biomass products, (2) the characteristics of biomass power generation systems by briefly comparing with photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, (3) characteristics of combustion technology, and (4) future perspectives of the valorization of biomass utilization and power generation integrated with energy storage for non-steady-state and flexible operation to balance the intermittency of variable renewable energy (VRE). Because Thran and Pfeiffer 45 and Hakkarainen et al 46 published excellent reviews on biomass energy in 2017 and 2019, respectively, in this review article, the author mainly focuses on the literature on biomass power generation published in the last couple of years.…”

Development of the Bioenergy as a Part of Renewable Energy in the Nordic Countries: A Comparative Analysis

“…However, bioenergy can be used to provide flexible resources for both energy supply and energy storage. Bioenergy RES hybrids provide the opportunity to optimally switch between distinct sources of energy [30].…”