Context
The development of renewable energies amongst which biomass, becomes a determining need for the future of the environment of our planet. The worldwide objectives concerning the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions oblige the States to take inciting and controlling steps for the development of renewable energies.Within this context, biomass has a disadvantage compared with other fossil fuels : its very variable physico-chemical characteristics (moisture content, granulometry, bulk density, chemical composition) make it a very heterogeneous fuel being hardly marketable. Moreover, several types of biomass are considered as wastes. The definition of classification norms of solid biomass fuels must therefore lead to the establishment of homogeneous classes of these biofuels, having quite precise characteristics, and therefore improve commercial exchanges.
Objectives
The immediate objective of the first step of the project was to gather and analyse every information available within the European Union, plus Switzerland and Norway, concerning the norms of solid biofuels. On this basis, some recommendations will be formulated for the definition of European norms for these biofuels.These recommendations led to the setting up of a technical committee of the CEN (CEN TC 335). This committee aims at writing technical specifications for biofuels in the following areas :
- words and definitions ;
- classes and specifications linked to biofuels, quality insurance ;
- sampling and reduction of the size of the sample ;
- physical properties ;
- chemical properties.
Description of tasks
The first step of the project is lead in joint action and includes 7 phases :- identification and description of the physico-chemichal characteristics of solid biofuels ;
- identification, description and analysis of the methods determining these properties ;
- compilation and agreement concerning the terminology ;
- identification, description and evaluation of the norms existing for solid biofuels ;
- identification and discussion on the needs as regards norms ;
- drawing up of a common proposal for a work program establishing European norms for solid biofuels ;
- spreading of the gathered information.
Currently, technical specification projects are being written.
Results obtained
The work programme regards as solid biofuels the following matters :- products from agriculture and forest ;
- plant residues from agriculture and forest ;
- plant residues from the food-processing industry ; wood residues, except :
* wood residues that can contain organo-halogenated components or heavy metals resulting from a treatment ;
* treated wood coming from the construction or demolition wood.
- cork residues.
Technical specification projects were proposed to the CEN and are subjected to a vote among the member countries of the CEN.
Partners
The national delegates of the different member countries of the CEN for the tasks concerned.CRAW off coordinator
TEMMERMAN Michaël (Attaché scientifique)Département Génie rural
Chaussée de Namur, 146
B-5030 Gembloux
Téléphone direct :62 71 57
Téléphone département :+ 32(81) 61 25 01
Fax département :+ 32(81) 61 58 47
E-mail :temmerman@cra.wallonie.be
Funding
- CRA-W - Walloon Agricultural Research Centre
Team
