Open Access

Birte Schnurr, Thomas Götz, Jan Kaselofsky, Ingwald Obernberger, Thomas Brunner, Antonia Horn, Khaled Osman

• Biomass is an important renewable alternative to fossil energy sources for process heat generation in industrial applications. The Horizon Europe project CBE4I - Clean Bioenergy for Industry (Grant Agreement No. 101122292, Duration: 09/2023 - 08/2026, coordinator: BIOS BIOENERGIESYSTEME GmbH, Graz, Austria) aims to develop a novel highly efficient biomass-based process heat supply system using an updraft gasifier combined with advanced gas cleaning systems and other innovative energy solutions, including a heat pump for flue gas heat recovery. This system operates with near-zero air emissions of dust and other air pollutants, significantly outperforming existing biomass technologies while providing a low carbon transition option forBiomass is an important renewable alternative to fossil energy sources for process heat generation in industrial applications. The Horizon Europe project CBE4I - Clean Bioenergy for Industry (Grant Agreement No. 101122292, Duration: 09/2023 - 08/2026, coordinator: BIOS BIOENERGIESYSTEME GmbH, Graz, Austria) aims to develop a novel highly efficient biomass-based process heat supply system using an updraft gasifier combined with advanced gas cleaning systems and other innovative energy solutions, including a heat pump for flue gas heat recovery. This system operates with near-zero air emissions of dust and other air pollutants, significantly outperforming existing biomass technologies while providing a low carbon transition option for industrial applications. This paper presents results from the initial phase of the project, including preliminary technology performance data from early development stages and initial techno-economic analyses. These results, together with an in-house developed stock model, form the basis for a preliminary impact assessment considering different deployment scenarios and analysing the potential of the new technology to reduce emissions and support the EU's climate and clean air objectives, including the increased use of renewable energy. The results will contribute to the further refinement of the technology and support discussions on future policy development.…