The Supply Chain Economics of Biomass Torrefaction
PUBLISHED IN JANUARY 2012 - AVAILABLE NOW: This report investigates the opportunities and challenges of emerging biomass torrefaction technologies for biomass fuel suppliers and utilities, as well as for many ancillary businesses such as feedstock owners, equipment suppliers, shipping companies and port operators, financial institutions and other investors.
The report's Table of Contents and Introduction, a Press Release and and Order Form can be
downloaded here.
The structure and scope of the report
Chapter One introduces the characteristics of different forms of biomass and the chemistry and physics of torrefaction and other treatment processes.
Chapter Two comprises profiles of some of the businesses that are developing or selling torrefaction technologies. The leading players and those that seem closest to commercial production are profiled.
Chapter Three discusses biomass logistics, describing the various storage and handling considerations and different regulatory requirements.
Chapters Four, Five and Six comprise the core of the study, investigating of the economics of the torrefied biomass supply-chain in comparison to wood chips and white pellets.
Chapter Four analyses the supply chain costs from raw feedstock sourcing through to the delivery of torrefied fuel to end-users’ power plants, as well as the sensitivity of total costs to changes in the cost of individual elements of the supply chain. It also compares costs on different trade routes.
Chapter Five compares the CO2 emissions of torrefied biomass versus chips and pellets on the different trade routes, calculating the embedded carbon of biomass products on arrival at their destination.
Chapter Six examines the advantages (and disadvantages) that accrue to electricity generators that use torrefied biomass – as opposed to coal or other biomass feedstock – and analyses the factors that may determine the size of any price premium for torrefied fuel.
Chapter Seven analyses the market opportunity and concludes with scenario forecasts of regional and global torrefied biomass demand in 2020 and 2030.
The price of a subscription
A subscription to ‘The Supply Chain Economics of Biomass Torrefaction’ costs £3,500 (or the equivalent in euro or US dollars). Subscribers to Hawkins Wright’s Forest Energy Monitor report or to its 2010 multi-client report on UK Investments in Biomass Power – qualify for a discounted price of £3,200.
A subscription includes: a printed copy of the report; a PDF copy; and a presentation meeting (if the meeting is held outside London, travel and subsistence expenses will be charged at cost).
The report's Table of Contents and Introduction, a Press Release and an order form, can be downloaded
here.