BioFizz: From Research to Implementation—Key Project Findings

How can biogenic_CO2 from biomass plants become a sustainable alternative to fossil carbon dioxide? The BioFizz research project has been addressing this question since its inception. Previous blog posts have already introduced the basics of Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) and the concept of supplying biogenic_CO2 from biomass plants. With the BioFizz project now coming to a close, the focus is shifting to the results:

• What insights were gained?
• Where is the greatest potential?
• What steps are necessary to bring this technology into industrial use?

Background and Methods

The results clearly show that TSA technology not only works on a laboratory scale but also offers great potential for use in industrial applications. The project focused on the question of whether biogenic_CO2 can be efficiently captured from biomass flue gases and produced in a quality that meets the requirements of the food industry.

The following methods were used for this purpose:

• Process Simulations
• Analysis of Experimental Data
• Needs analysis

The Results at a Glance

Energy efficiency has improved significantly

A key focus of the project was the energy optimization of the TSA process. BOKU therefore examined three real-world use cases—ranging from a demonstration plant producing approximately 3,000_tCO2 per year to a large-scale industrial scenario producing 180,000_tCO2 per year.

While the baseline scenario yielded a total energy requirement of 1.68 to 1.88_MWh/tCO2, this was reduced to 0.84 to 1.04 MWh/_tCO2. This allowed the thermal energy demand to be nearly halved. The electrical portion here amounts to only 0.04 to 0.17_MWh/tCO2.

Favorable Environmental Impact of_CO2 Capture Using TSA

The environmental balance is also positive. Depending on the application, net_{CO2 efficiencies} of up to 95% have been achieved. The_{CO2 footprint} of the capture process ranges from 32 to 53 kg_{of CO2 equivalent} per metric ton of captured_CO2.

From the Laboratory Setup to Process Optimization

A key component of the BioFizz project was the further development of the existing TSA laboratory facility. At the start of the project, stable operation using steam was not yet possible due to condensation problems and insufficient separation of the gas chambers. Consequently, extensive test series were required to optimize the operating parameters and gradually validate the measures implemented. As part of this work, the separation of the gas compartments was improved, and additional measures were implemented to reduce oxygen and steam ingress. This stabilized plant operations and significantly improved the quality of the product gas.

A key finding: The pilot plant was ultimately able to operate for more than 600 operating hours under stable process conditions. During a one-week observation period, the_CO2 content of the product gas remained constant at approximately 95% by volume.

Technology Meets the Market

In addition to technical development, the BioFizz project focused on the question of under what conditions biogenic_CO2 can be used economically in the future. To this end, workshops and expert interviews were conducted with representatives from the biomass sector, the food and beverage industry, and the regulatory sector.

The feedback indicates that there is generally significant interest in regionally produced biogenic_CO2. High product quality, reliable availability, and competitive costs are particularly important in this context. At the same time, it became clear that successful market entry does not depend solely on technology. Regulatory frameworks, certification systems, and suitable business models also play a decisive role in subsequent implementation.

Furthermore, the needs analysis showed that locations with both a supply of biogenic_CO2 and regional_{CO2 demand}, in particular, offer great potential for regional value chains.

Outlook

With BioFizz, the technical feasibility of TSA technology was successfully demonstrated, and important insights were gained for process optimization.

The next step in development is to test and determine the sorbent’s stability under real operating conditions (flue gas from biomass heating and power plants).

Building on this, the focus shifts to_{CO2 storage} and logistics, and, where applicable, liquefaction. This is a prerequisite for the flexible supply of captured carbon dioxide and enables the temporal decoupling of CO2 capture and consumption, or links the CO2 source to the CO2 sink.

This opens up new opportunities for regional value chains.

Alongside technological advancements, economic and regulatory conditions are also crucial for a successful market launch. The stakeholder and needs analysis conducted as part of the project shows that, in particular, competitive_{CO2 costs}, appropriate funding instruments, and clear quality and certification standards will significantly influence the future adoption of the technology. It goes without saying that the legal ban on permanent storage in Austria must be lifted for this to happen.

In the long term, the combination of TSA technology in an industrial-scale pilot plant,_{CO2 logistics}, and regulatory requirements (certification) will form the basis for market viability and the creation of regionally functioning_{CO2 cycles}.