What is the Phoenix BioPower Project?
Phoenix BioPower is pioneering a revolutionary technology called BTC that can double the electrical efficiency of biomass energy. This breakthrough makes biomass a genuine contender to replace fossil power, especially coal. The BTC technology is designed for utility-scale applications and can utilize much of the existing energy distribution infrastructure. It’s not just about producing power—it’s about transforming how biomass is used to meet global climate targets and push the energy transition forward.
Main Benefits of the BTC Technology
Here’s why BTC stands out:
- Can double the electrical efficiency from biomass compared to traditional methods.
- Ideal for combined heat and power (CHP) applications, lowering dependency on heat credits.
- Enables profitable on-demand renewable power production.
- Scalable technology suitable for utility-scale plants.
- Integrates seamlessly with carbon capture technologies for BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage).
- Produces biocoal during fuel treatment, which can be used for sequestration or as a coke replacement in steel and cement industries.
- Offers superior net efficiencies for carbon-negative power production.
- Utilizes biomass residues that are abundant globally—over 5,000 TWh available annually in the EU alone.
How BTC Supports Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
The BTC biopower plant is perfectly adapted for CHP applications. Thanks to its high electrical efficiency, it reduces the need for heat credits, which means it can operate profitably even on-demand. This flexibility is crucial for integrating renewable energy into existing grids and meeting fluctuating energy demands. The plant footprint is compact—approximately 100 by 200 meters for a 10 MW facility—making it a practical solution for various industrial settings.
Carbon-Negative Power with BECCS
One of the standout features of Phoenix BioPower’s BTC technology is its ability to integrate with carbon capture systems, enabling BECCS. This means the plant doesn’t just reduce emissions—it can actually remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The biocoal extracted during fuel treatment can be sequestered or used as a sustainable alternative in heavy industries. This dual function makes BTC a rare and powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
Producing Industrial Green Gases
Beyond electricity and heat, biomass processed through BTC can generate renewable industrial gases. These include hydrocarbon gases that can replace fossil feedstocks and renewable hydrogen. This versatility opens doors for decarbonizing sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify, such as chemical manufacturing and heavy industry. It’s a holistic approach to green energy, tackling multiple fronts at once.
Project Impact: Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Directly addresses 7 UN Global Goals for sustainable development.
- Indirectly supports an additional 6 goals.
- Contributes to climate action by reducing and capturing carbon emissions.
- Promotes affordable and clean energy solutions.
- Supports industry innovation and infrastructure development.
- Encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns.
The Bigger Picture: Why Biomass Matters
Biomass residues are a massive, underutilized resource worldwide. Thousands of terawatt-hours of biomass energy are available annually, yet much of it is wasted or used inefficiently. Phoenix BioPower’s BTC technology taps into this potential, turning what was once considered waste into a powerful, clean energy source. By replacing fossil fuels with biomass-derived energy, it’s possible not only to cut carbon emissions but also to actively reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. This is a game-changer for the energy transition and the global fight against climate change.
