In the power generation market, we often focus on the big names: Coal, nuclear, wind, and water. Even geothermal gets a lot of press. One power source that is relatively little-heralded is biomass power. Luckily, Renewable Energy World is here to give us the lowdown on how to evaluate a biomass refinery.
Specifically, they look at the proposed Abengoa Bioenergy Biorefinery of Kansas (ABBK), which, besides featuring lots of bios, would be the first commercial-class biorefinery in America.
The way the ABBK works is by taking in biomass (like corn, wheat, switchgrass, and other fuel-rich materials) and producing ethanol from them. The ethanol is then burned like, for instance, oil to produce electricity with a high pressure steam turbine.
In order to properly power the ABBK, its site needs a 425 acre plot to grow the actual energy sources; the refinery itself would occupy 385 acres. It would take 18 months to construct the ABBK, and it requires improved infrastructure, including road and rail upgrades.
While it would require lots of money and materials to get off the ground, the ABBK would have other positives (aside from creating energy from renewable resources and resulting in improved infrastructure of the community). The ABBK would employ up to 260 workers, pumping into the local economy about $16 million during construction and around $4 million per year during operation. While the ABBK would still emit greenhouse gasses, it would result in a net reduction compared to fossil fuel use.
The Renewable Energy World piece delves quite deeply into the various issues surrounding the ABBK, including funding, waste disposal, environmental impacts, and more. It's worth your time to check out if you're at all interested in power generation or renewable energy.
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