Two years of trials have served the project AgroSyngas to draw interesting conclusions about a circular bioeconomy model in the northern region of Granada. From woody energy crops, capable of reaching up to 59 tons of dry biomass per hectare in four-year rotations, ...up to the efficient manufacture of pellets and their gasification in a system with a 64% efficiency, which produces clean syngas to generate electricity and thermal energy for greenhouses.
For more than two years, woody energy crops have been tested in the northern area of Granada, highlighting the good performance of clones of Populus x euramericana, Robinia pseudoacacia y Ulmus pumila, capable of reaching between 49 and 59 tons of dry biomass per hectare in 4-year cycles, with positive economic and carbon balances. In addition, it has been proven that these crops allow for multiple uses, such as sheep grazing for weed control, and that the biomass obtained meets international quality standards for pellets (ISO 17225-2, categories ENplus A2, B or Industrial).
The project has also shown that the silvicultural treatments in reforestation pine forests They improve forest mass, soil fertility and contribute to carbon sequestration, as well as reducing fire risks, although their economic profitability is limited and would require public support for large-scale implementation.
In the industrial sector, the analysis has focused on pellet manufacturing, where drying represents the highest energy consumption (≈14% of the total) and the carbon footprint is around 200 kg of CO₂ per ton produced. On the other hand, in the horticultural greenhouses It has been shown that the combination of heating, CO₂ input and LED interlighting increases production and improves water use efficiency.
One of the most significant milestones has been the design and construction of a downflow gasifier, which has achieved an efficiency of 64%, with a consumption of 3 kg/h of pine wood pellets and obtaining a syngas clean, low in tar, with 21.5% of CO, 4.4% of H₂ and 2.5% of CH₄.
Two companies associated with AVEBIOM have played a prominent role. TUBOCÁS, The beneficiary partner has been in charge of technical coordination and has contributed its experience in pellet production and biomass heating solutions. Vertex Life, collaborating partner, has participated in the design and testing of gasification equipment and in the transfer of results, in collaboration with the University of Granada.
Download Report