Status of external firing of biomass in gas turbines

Abstract

Dry biomass can be used as a fuel for gas turbines in different ways: it can be gasified or pyrolysed for internal combustion or it can be used as an external heat source. This heat source can be used to replace the combustor, to preheat the ccombustion air, or eventually to feed a primary reformer to yield hydrogen for the gas turbine. The present paper discusses the use of biomass as on external heat source from both a technical and an economic point of view. Past, present, and future projects are discussed. Possibilities range from cogeneration with microturbines where the biomass can cover a major part of the primary energy, to combined cycle plants where biomass can replace a small percentage of the natural gas. A microturbine EFGT project under construction is disclosed.