Open AccessInternal Technical Report, Program Plan for Conversion of Biomass to Liquid Fuel Using Geothermal Energy
Author(s) -
R.E. Chaney,
J.K. Jacoby,
D.M. LaRue
Publication year - 1979
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/896027
Subject(s) - biomass (ecology) , liquid fuel , work (physics) , waste management , development plan , environmental science , business , environmental economics , engineering , civil engineering , mechanical engineering , oceanography , chemistry , organic chemistry , economics , combustion , geology
Due to the decreased supply of petroleum and the large quantity of import oil, there exists sufficient economic justification to develop a biomass-liquid fuel industry. Geothermal energy uniquely fits the biomass production and conversion requirements. To accelerate industrial development of biomass-to-liquid fuel conversion using geothermal energy, a national program is required. Because of the INEL's unique experience in moderate-temperature geothermal applications, they should take the lead in this program. Based on an extensive survey of the biomass conversion field, areas of needed work were identified and a program plan was developed. This plan separates the INEL role into two parts. (1) Commercial Support--Existing technology can be commercially applied to provide a portion of the liquid fuel needs. To accelerate development, INEL needs to provide technical and management support to existing programs such as direct assistance, loan guarantees, PONs, and PRDAs. (2) Technical Development--Application of new geothermal technology in the production and conversion of biomass can increase the quantity of domestically produced liquid fuel. The program plan identifies needed work down to the task level. Three cost account levels are identified: (1) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Technology, (2) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Advanced Technology Demonstration, and (3) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Commercial Support. The end item is an advanced technology demonstration plant with an FY-86 target date. This plant should be built by the private sector through cost sharing, loan guarantees, or the PON program. However, it could be built by a government contractor. Development work will be centered at INEL, but much of the work will be contracted to take advantage of outside expertise and for technology transfer reasons. Other programs, agencies, institutions, and companies are performing and will perform related work. Continued interface is necessary to build national expertise and avoid duplication of effort