High Energy? Yes, but Highly Renewable!
The BluePoint Venue in Brussels was brimming with the in-crowd of the bioenergy world. Over 200 experts and stakeholders from across the globe gathered for the European Bioenergy Future (EBF) conference on Nov 20-21, 2024. Among these brilliant minds was the Bio-FlexGen crew, boldly going where few engineers have gone before, spearheading Europe’s journey to net-zero. The EBF hosted the project’s final project conference.
Leading the Charge in the Green Energy Revolution
Organised by Bioenergy Europe, the EBF has become a premier event for the European bioenergy sector. It unites policymakers, industry leaders, and market players. Last year’s edition was especially pivotal, following the European elections and at a critical juncture in the green transition. It provided the perfect platform for the Bio-FlexGen team. We were able to showcase our work and engage with key stakeholders in energy sector.
Making the Green Deal real
The main goal of this EU-funded research project is to develop scalable core technologies for the Biomass-fired Top Cycle (BTC) combined heat and power plant. BioFlexGen aims at significantly increasing the efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness of bioenergy-based combined heat and power plants (CHP). Therefore, it will make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy system. The first operational plants are expected to enter the bioenergy market in five years’ time.
Bio-FlexGen Log, 20th November, 2024: The Buzz at the Booth
The Bio-FlexGen booth was a showstopper at the main conference. With a roll-up banner, postcards, a poster, and an animated film about the BTC plant, there was plenty of attention. Positioned strategically between the main conference room and the networking areas, the booth was surrounded by lively and engaging discussions. The interest in the Bio-FlexGen technology was palpable and networking for future collaborations in full swing. On board the Bio-FlexGen stand: The ‘all-seeing eye’ project coordinator Susanne Paulrud, Michael Bartlett, the creative genius behind our BTC technology, Felix ‘Scotty’ Güthe, the combustion expert, Chunguang Zhou, the brain behind the Hybrid Fluidised Bed gasifier, Thoralf Reichel, the TU Berlin fuel-switch wizard, as well as systems analysts Yelena Vardanyan and José Pablo Chaves Ávila.
Inside the World of Bioenergy
The topics of the main conference ranged from the role of biomass heat in an electrified world to academic reflections on the challenges and opportunities in bioenergy. Outstanding speakers, including Agata Kotkowska (Deputy Head of Unit, DG Environment, European Commission), Biljana Kulisic (Policy Officer, European Commission), Christoph Pfemeter (President of Bioenergy Europe), Gustav Melin (Bioenergy expert) and Nicolás González Casares (MEP), offered a comprehensive overview of bioenergy’s status quo in Europe and beyond. Panel discussions were equally insightful, tackling the most pressing topics in the sector and followed by dynamic interaction with the participants. Summing it up, Bio-FlexGen coordinator Susanne Paulrud says:
“Collocating our final event with such a top-level conference was a very good idea. It attracted key players in the bioenergy field and gave the Bio-FlexGen consortium a unique opportunity to showcase our project highlights at a cutting-edge forum – and to network.”
Fusing history and future
And what better way to network than at the magnificent Bellone on the evening of the main conference? A venue blending historic charm with contemporary flair, it provided the ideal setting for the networking dinner. With excellent food and drink and perfect mingling opportunities. However, some bioenergy heating for the venue would have been very nice. It was rather chilly inside, as the venue is huge and only covered by a glass ceiling. Outside, Brussels was freezing cold with plenty of snow and ice. But then again, in terms of the climate, isnt it actually calming to see snow at all?
Bio-FlexGen Log, 21st November, 2024: The Grand Finale
The second day marked the grand finale of our project: The Bio-FlexGen team presented the key project results. Since the kick-off in September 2021, our researchers, engineers, and industry partners have overcome countless challenges. Among our main achievements are the world-first patented Hybrid Fluidised Bed (HFB) gasification system, the Phoenix Advanced Combustion System (PACS), and the HyFlex Biomass-fired Top Cycle power plant design. The plant is capable of producing four products: Heat, electricity, hydrogen and biogenic CO2. Reflecting on the journey, Michael Bartlett, CTO and mastermind of Phoenix BioPower, notes: “Developing the BTC plant’s core features has been an immense challenge. But Bio-FlexGen has laid the groundwork for highly efficient, affordable, and secure bioenergy – another milestone on the path to achieving the European Green Deal”.
As the curtains closed on this event, it became clear that Bio-FlexGen has pushed the boundaries of bioenergy technology even further. It certainly lives up to its claim of ‘Making the Green Deal Real.
May bioenergy and the Bio-FlexGen crew live long and prosper!