Directory of low carbon technologies

For more information about Low Carbon technologies select one from the list below:

 
Swoosh
 

Pyrolysis Challenge 

Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of large molecules by heating in the absence of oxygen (at over 500 °C) and is dervied from biomass. One of the products of this process is pyrolysis oil, which has the potential to be a low-cost transport fuel (with low greenhouse gas emissions).

Unfortunately, current fast pyrolysis processes produce an oil that is not directly usable. The Pyrolysis Challenge encourages efforts to develop new means of:
  • Producing better quality pyrolysis oil
  • Upgrading the oil before or at the refinery

 
 

The expected outcomes of the project are:

  • proof of scientific and engineering principle for a novel process for low-cost and low GHG intensity production and/or upgrading of biomass pyrolysis oil
  • complete characterisation of the upgraded oil, including details of processes and the impact of different feedstocks
  • an assessment of the likely commercial and environmental value of any associated co-products, and processes for their exploitation
  • development of a large lab-scale or small industrial demonstration unit (capable of delivering cubic meters of refinery-grade pyrolysis oil) modeling of the full-scale process economics, whole system GHG intensity and key technical parameters (e.g. catalyst lifetime).

In spring 2008, we announced a call for Expressions of Interest and received 24 bids.  After review of these EOIs, full proposals and conducting a round of technical due diligence, the Pyrolysis Challenge is now in the final stages of commercial negotiations. Details of the winning project(s) will be announced once these negotiations have concluded.

If you have any queries please email directed.research@carbontrust.co.uk

 
 

Technology directory bioenergy

Use the technology directory to find out more about bioenergy

 

Algae biofuels challenge

Developing technology for mass production of algae oil for biofuel use
 
Alphabetical paper directory

Technology directory general

Use the directory to find out more about low carbon technologies
 
 
 
Send to a colleague
 

More info