Biomass integrated gasification combined cycle with reduced CO2 emissions: Performance analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA)

Performance analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) of an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) fed with biomass with upstream CO₂ chemical absorption has been carried out. The main working conditions have been determined by mean of partial exergetic analysis. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the CO₂ absorbing solution composition has also been carried out. The reachable efficiency ranges between 35% and 36%, depending on gas turbine technology level. In comparison with efficiency values previously found for an IGCC fed with coal with upstream CO₂ chemical absorption (38–39%), the configuration studied seems to be attractive because of the possibility of operating with a simplified scheme (without H₂S removal process) and at atmospheric pressure and for the possibility of using biomass in a more efficient way with respect to conventional combustion systems. Due to the lower efficiency, the specific CO₂ emission results higher (170 kg/MW h) with respect to the cycle fed with coal and CO₂ removal (130 kg/MW h). Moreover, the CO₂ balance has been determined with respect to the entire life cycle of the plant, including the construction, operation, dismantling and the biomass growing phases.