To achieve the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario by 2030, industrial emissions must decline substantially, necessitating accelerated efforts across all levels. Fossil fuels currently play a major role in generating process heat, contributing to industrial greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, there's a critical need to decarbonize this sector, with bioenergy emerging as a primary non-fossil alternative. Understanding the technological requirements, local feedstock availability, and fuel logistics systems are essential steps in leveraging biomass-based solutions for industrial heat supply.
The recent webinar delving into modern heat applications using biomass for industrial processes convened a panel of industry experts spanning the entire value chain. To set the stage, Manolis Karampinis, from Bioenergy Europe, showcased the diverse spectrum of biomass applications across different sectors such as cement, lime, and steel, among others. His presentation underscored the growing demand for bioheat in the EU industry landscape – translating into a great potential for the use of biomass in a 2050 scenario, emphasizing the imperative for advancing biomass utilization in industrial heat applications. View Presentation
Justin Tait, who represented Enviva Biomass - the world's largest pellet producer - elaborated on the considerable potential of biomass for industrial heating. He emphasized the escalating global demand for wood pellets, driven by initiatives to curb carbon emissions across sectors, and delved into the diverse supply options within the established biomass supply chain. View Presentation
Continuing along the value chain, project developer Thomas Schmidmeier, from Schmidmeier NaturEnergie, shared compelling examples of industrial plants, spanning various sectors exclusively using biomass for process heat requirements. From woody pellets to forestry residues, Schmedmier's insights demonstrated the adaptability of biomass fuels and their versatility in industrial applications.
As an end user, Linda Lowhagen, representing NCC Industry, an asphalt producer, shared innovative decarbonization strategies employed by the asphalt industry. By integrating biofuels, primarily wood pellets, into all their Swedish plants, the NCC Asphalt Division achieved a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions. View Presentation
Collectively, these presentations underscored the dynamic and versatile nature of biomass in meeting industrial heat demands, a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. While acknowledging ongoing developmental needs within the industrial sector, the webinar showcased notable progress across diverse industries, offering a plethora of real-world cases to inspire innovation and foster collaboration within the sector.
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