Potencial de geração termelétrica no setor sucroalcooleiro através da gaseificação da biomassa integrada ao gás natural

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate thermoelectric energy potential in Alagoas’s and Brazil’s sugaralcohol sector by using biomass gasification technology integrated with natural gas, taking into account the current energy scenario and its tendency. The indiscriminate use of fossil energy caused serious effects in the environment; the global warming is one of consequences. Otherwise, it is a matter of fact that the energy demand will still be growing in the next years and that economic factors will continue to be decisive in the choice of energy resources. The types of energy resource which can support the energetic demand in a more efficient, economic, sustainable way, surely, will be options applied more often. The use of sugar-cane biomass energy is an option to electric energy generation, which is already employed in sugar-alcohol sector, nonetheless, it still has a large potential to be explored. The technologies employed in this sector are able to generate 26 kWh/tc (kilo watt-hour per sugar-cane crushed) on average, however, these technologies are considered inefficient when compared to sugar-cane biomass gasification technology, which are able to generate more than 300 kWh/tc. Nevertheless this technology is not commercial available. In this study, it will be explained the electric energy generation principles of biomass gasification and verified that the use of this technology together with natural gas can provide technical and economic advantages, which can accelerate the viability of the commercial use of this technology.