Evaluation of the maturity level of biomass electricity generation technologies using the technology readiness level criteria

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 295; p. 126426
• Main Authors: Dovichi Filho, Fernando Bruno, Castillo Santiago, York, Silva Lora, Electo Eduardo, Escobar Palacio, José Carlos, Almazan del Olmo, Oscar Agustin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2021
• Subjects: Biomass; Electricity generation; Technological maturity; Technology selection; TRL Survey; TRL Survey; Technology selection; Technological maturity; Biomass; Electricity generation
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126426

This article assesses the level of maturity of current biomass power generation technologies, by using metrics of technology readiness levels. A questionnaire was developed and sent to hundreds of bioenergy experts from several countries. A total of 101 answers to the survey were received from the experts. Such analysis was based on a method commonly used in the defense sector, but modified, mainly in terms and concepts issues, about particularities of biomass energy generation technologies. Obtained results indicate that 62.07% of experts in the sector consider Conventional Rankine Cycle technology having already a high degree of maturity, with a Technology Readiness Levels of 8 or higher, and 37.11% of experts consider Organic Rankine Cycle technology also has a high degree of maturity. Technology Readiness Level definition for Gasifier/Internal combustion engine technology resulted to be a complex task as reflected in the present survey’s results, where the weighted Technology Readiness Level is 6. The technologies showing lower weighted TRL values are integrated gasifier combined cycle, externally fired gas turbines, steam radial turbines, screw expander, gasifier/gas microturbine, and Stirling engines. Survey results and reviewed performance data provide very useful information for preliminary technology selection in biomass electricity generation projects.
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•CRC and ORC were the technologies that had most responses with TRL 9.•CRC presented the highest weighted TRL with a value of 8.22.•G-ICE technology has a weighted TRL value of 6.84.•Technologies having TRL’s equal to 8 have lower LCOE of around 0.14 USD/kWh.