In the quest to achieve net-zero emissions, Germany is exploring an innovative technology that could revolutionize its power system: pyrolysis. This dual-purpose technology, which operates solely on residual biomass, is poised to play a pivotal role in integrating negative emissions and dispatchable electricity, according to a recent study published by Anna Sandhaas, a researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Energy Systems (INES) at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences.
Pyrolysis, a process that involves heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, can generate electricity and produce biochar, a stable form of carbon that can be sequestered to offset CO2 emissions. This makes it a unique tool in the fight against climate change, as it can provide flexible power output during periods of low renewable energy supply and help maintain a net-negative CO2 balance.
By 2050, pyrolysis could reach an installed capacity of 5 GW, supplying 2% of Germany’s total electricity generation. This is no small feat, considering the country’s ambitious climate goals. “Pyrolysis can reduce the need for hydrogen storage by 60%,” Sandhaas explains. “This is because it can generate electricity during low renewable supply periods, making it a valuable asset in a power system dominated by intermittent renewable energy sources.”
The study, which used a myopic power system model to assess the role of pyrolysis, also found that its deployment is closely linked to solar PV availability. This means that pyrolysis plants are likely to expand earlier in regions with high solar potential, further enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources.
Moreover, the integration of pyrolysis can increase battery storage capacity by 240%, providing a significant boost to Germany’s energy storage capabilities. This is crucial for maintaining system flexibility and stability, especially as the country phases out coal and nuclear power.
The expansion of pyrolysis is driven by investment costs and electricity demand. Lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) for pyrolysis plants and power generation units can accelerate deployment, making it a more attractive option for investors. Rising electricity demand, on the other hand, can enhance pyrolysis’ role as a flexible power source, even under high CAPEX conditions.
These findings have significant implications for the energy sector. They highlight the need for a diversified power plant portfolio to maintain system flexibility and stability. They also provide essential insights for policymakers, investors, and energy planners on optimizing market frameworks and deployment strategies.
The study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, which translates to Energy Conversion and Management: Next Generation, underscores the potential of pyrolysis as a strategic enabler of energy system decarbonization. Its unique combination of dispatchable renewable electricity and negative emissions makes it a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.
As Germany and other countries around the world strive to achieve net-zero emissions, technologies like pyrolysis could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy sector. By providing a flexible, low-carbon source of electricity, pyrolysis can help to integrate renewable energy sources, reduce the need for energy storage, and maintain system stability. This could have significant commercial impacts, from creating new investment opportunities to driving innovation in the energy sector.
However, the success of pyrolysis will depend on a number of factors, including investment costs, electricity demand, and policy support. As Sandhaas notes, “The deployment of pyrolysis is closely linked to solar PV availability and the need for flexible power output. This means that policymakers and investors need to consider these factors when developing market frameworks and deployment strategies.”
In the end, the future of pyrolysis will depend on its ability to compete with other low-carbon technologies, such as wind and solar power, as well as its ability to integrate with existing energy systems. But with its unique combination of dispatchable electricity and negative emissions, pyrolysis has the potential to play a significant role in the energy transition, helping to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system for future generations.