Influence of Gas and Detrimental Metal Emissions from Biomass Firing and Co-Firing on Environmental Impact

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the influence of gas and toxic metal emissions from biomass energy applications such as biomass firing and co-firing on the environmental impact. The main advantage of energy from biomass is the carbon dioxide neutrality of this energy production process provided that sustainable forestry is given. However, biomass combustion produces solid by-products (bottom and fly ashes) that have to be considered. There is a desire to recycle the nutrients from the biomass ash. A major problem of recycling the biomass ash is the high concentration of heavy metals in the ash. Co-firing biomass with coal in traditional coal-fired boilers is becoming increasingly popular as it capitalizes on the large investment and infrastructure associated with the existing fossil-fuel-based power systems while traditional pollutants and net greenhouse gas emissions are decreased. Achieving solution to environmental problems requires long-term policies for sustainable development. In this aspect, renewable energy resources appear to be the one of the most efficient and effective solutions.