A review of biopower and mitigation potential of competing pyrolysis methods

Pyrolysis can be used to produce renewable energy and offset greenhouse gas emissions. While the biopower potential of pyrolysis has been widely analyzed, agronomic environmental benefits under competing modes have not investigated compared. This study reviews properties characteristics major technologies including fast, intermediate, slow, gasification, torrefaction, then investigates compares their biochar-induced so that fundamental figures for future large-scale development explored. The results indicate (1) revenues from sale generally outweigh benefits, but extent depends on commodity price emission price; (2) if biochar is as an source, 10.58%–26.73% generation decreased fast a 90%–97.44% decrease would occur torrefaction; (3) offsets torrefaction greatly recover loss sales; (4) with up 2.82–3.19 tonnes carbon dioxide, per tonne biomass basis. We also discuss how application might alleviate surface water eutrophication groundwater pollution. • Mitigation 3.19 MT ton feedstock. Without use biochar, power declines by 26.73%. Torrefaction mostly yields least biopower. Changes in prices cause technology transitions. Slow balances production mitigation effects.