Abstract
Large-scale regional tree deaths can create disposal challenges but have the potential to produce substantial feedstock for renewable electricity production. Using this feedstock, this project offers a solution that addresses a range of California’s energy, climate, and air quality goals. The project team designed, tested, and demonstrated a 150-kilowatt modular biomass gasification electrical generator system called the Powertainer. This technology makes possible the generation of renewable electricity using fire-damaged material, while lowering air pollution emissions when compared to open burning.
The use of forest residues from high fire risk regions to fuel the Powertainer benefits California. Using biomass material from dead trees makes forest fires less prone and less extreme, and produces fewer harmful emissions, while reducing property damage. Harvesting forest products and generation of distributed renewable electricity supports the local economy and creates jobs. The biochar production adds to the benefits of using biomass gasification systems, since it can result in a carbon-negative outcome, contributing directly to the reversal of climate change.
Addressing the annual tree mortality crisis requires use of 9,589 Powertainers. In total, the Powertainers would consume 10 million bone dry tons of lumber per year running 60 percent of the time (or 5,256 hours per year). This scenario would produce 7,560 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity. When compared to open pile burning, it would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20.3 percent, methane by 51.7 percent, carbon monoxide by 99.9 percent, and particulate matter by 99.9 percent. Annually, this technology has the capacity to sequester 1.45 million metric tons of CO2, create 7,000 jobs, and manage 700,000 acres of forest.
Keywords: biomass, gasification, pyrolysis, renewable electricity, carbon negative, forestry, tree mortality, climate change, biochar
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