Evaluation of the economic feasibility of a two-stage gasification system for hydrogen, liquid fuels and energy production from residues

Although two-stage gasifier design offers a number of advantages i.e., producing high-quality gas (high H2 content, low CO2 and other impurities) tolerating high degree heterogeneity feedstock, its economic feasibility is yet to be evaluated. In this study, techno-economic assessment fully conducted assess the gasification system for three routes: hydrogen production, liquid fuels via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, electricity production from biomass. For 20 years at plant size 1000 dry t/d, total capital investment hydrogen, FT-liquid are US $214.8 million, $345.5 million $307 with operating costs $35.6 million/y, $62.2 million/y $48.6 respectively. The minimum selling price (at pressure 70 bar) fuel biomass comparable that fossil (US $1.59/kg $1,109/m3 fuel) whereas $ 0.09/kWh), it around half current grid in UK. Comparing conventional fluidised bed same 25% cost reduction can achieved either or but only 10% electricity. results also show economics improved further by 35–40% if feedstock reduced 30–50% large-scale facility (?2000 t/d).