Non-energetic application of carbon-rich torrefied biomass in the bioeconomy: a review

Abstract

The bioeconomy relies on cost-effective and eco-friendly products and services, which can be achieved through efficiently produced and processed bio-based feedstocks. Torrefaction, a promising technology that involves thermal treatment of biomass in the temperature range of 200–300 °C in oxygen-limited conditions, producing torrefied biomass for materials, energy, specialty products, and carbon sequestration. This biomass outperforms raw biomass or biochar in various applications, such as combustion, gasification, and co-firing with coal in power plants, and can serve as a platform for non-energetic bio-based products. Though torrefaction faces technical and practical challenges, its future outlook remains positive. Efficient use of torrefied biomass addresses limitations of raw biomass, such as transportation, storage, and densification. It contributes to sustainable supply chains, improved economic returns, energy self-sustenance, and reduced carbon footprints. When used for energy production, it can enhance process efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Torrefaction’s adoption can boost growth in sectors like composites, soil amendment, carbon storage, and green chemicals. However, further research is needed to understand torrefied biomass’s benefits, barriers, and opportunities and determine optimal production and utilization strategies.

Keywords:

• Biomass torrefaction
• bioeconomy
• biomass energy
• bioproducts

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Jaya Tripathi and Daniel E. Ciolkosz are grateful for the support provided by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded MASBio project (Grant no. 2020-68012-31881). They were also supported in part by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hatch Appropriations under Project # PEN04697 and Accession # 1019212. Leonel J.R. Nunes was supported by proMetheus—Research Unit on Energy, Materials and Environment for Sustainability—UIDP/05975/2020, funded by national funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.