An overview of biomass combined heat and power technologies

Biopower (biomass-to-electricity generation), a proven electricity generating option in the United States and with about 11 GW of installed capacity, is the single largest source of nonhydro renewable electricity. The electricity production from biomass is being used and is expected to continue to be used as base-load power in the existing electrical distribution system. A series of case studies will be discussed for the three conversion routes for combined heat and power (CHP) applications of biomass-direct combustion, gasification, and cofiring. The cost of electricity and cost of steam as a function of variables such as plant size and feed cost are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis.