Pyrolysis technologies in Europe

Pyrolysis is a traditional process that was used to produce coal thousands of years ago. Efforts to achieve independence from fossil resources and climate-neutral and circular value chains are currently leading to a significant increase in interest in this technology. Thanks to its wide range of process engineering design options, pyrolysis is a potential key technology for various applications for material and energy process chains, some of which are highly specific. However, this diversity of possibilities also results in a high level of complexity, which makes it difficult to obtain an overview of the plants on offer.

The aim of this study is to bring information from a wide range of systems into a comparable form and thus provide an overview for interested parties. This is intended to reduce the effort involved in obtaining information as an initial step towards implementation. Additionally, the study contributes to the realization of regional pyrolysis projects as a component of circular economy, material utilization concepts.

This report provides an overview of medium-fast pyrolysis plants from European manufacturers on a pre-industrial scale. These were identified through extensive technology research and interviews. As a result, information on 19 technologies from 15 manufacturers was collected. These cover eight thematic blocks:

• Raw materials
• Products
• Capacity
• Economic data
• Peripherals and integration into the overall system
• Market and references
• Processes
• Operating parameters

The data of the individual technologies are illustrated and compared in many overviews. Back-ground information on the processes is also provided to give those interested in the system an insight. Economic key figures were derived from the data collected. In addition, a basic process evaluation is carried out, which includes mass, carbon and energy balances. The comparison with state-of-the-art combustion technologies and the use of different raw materials sheds light on some aspects of economic efficiency.

The technology overview shows that the focus for small-scale pyrolysis systems is in Central Europe and that most manufacturers are in the early stages of their business. Despite mostly still low sales figures, reference is made to the lively customer interest in Europe and worldwide.
The evaluations confirm that there is a wide variety of technological solutions and underlying objectives. The focus here is on continuous systems, with screw reactors being used most frequently. Batch reactors, on the other hand, play a subordinate role. However, they can be an interesting option for the smallest capacities in particular, which is reflected in the high sales figures for batch plants. The range of possible feedstocks is very diverse. There is particularly extensive experience with biomass-based bulk materials, biogas digestate and sewage sludge. In addition to biochar, heat and electricity, as well as pyrolysis gas, pyrolysis oil and wood vinegar are mentioned as main products.

The profitability calculations have shown that favourable conditions are currently required in order to achieve a secure profit. Fluctuations in market prices for raw materials and products, as well as sales, can have both a positive and negative effect on profits. However, due to the low profit margin calculated, the risk of losses is still high.

Overall, a good starting position can be assumed for the further development of pyrolysis on a small scale. Although the economic viability is still limited, future developments will ensure the profitable operation of a pyrolysis plant. In addition to the reduction in investment costs that will arise in the course of the market maturity, political framework conditions for environmentally friendly process chains and the additional marketing of CO2 certificates could have a positive effect on the operating result. The survey also revealed the lively development activities in this area with a variety of technological concepts. Due to the relatively recent developments, it is assumed that there is further potential for development and optimization that will lead to greater efficiency and profitability.

BEST - Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies GmbH

• DI Dr. Franziska Klauser
• DI Dr. Markus Schwarz
• DI Manuel Schwabl
• DI Dr. Elisabeth Wopienka
• DI DI Marilene Fuhrmann
• DI Dr. Christa Dissauer