Frequently asked questions
Feedstocks/Biomass
What types of biomass can be used?
The Carbo-V® process has the technical capability to process all carbonaceous solids.
In Germany, CHOREN is only planning to process biomass that complies with the German Biomass Ordinance. This includes sawmill byproducts, forest wood, woody crops, recycled wood and other woody feedstocks.
In the first plants, only the use of woody biomass is planned due to the level of technological effort required. In terms of process engineering, the advantages include: low ash content, high bulk density, good storage qualities and high availability.
Is it not better to use biomass for production of electricity or heat?
As a basic principle for any raw material, physical use is preferable to use as an energy source. Therefore, foremost priority must be given to using wood in furniture or building structures. After that comes the production of high-quality chemical products such as fuels and lubricants.
Biofuels are currently the only renewable alternative in the mobility sector of relevant significance for supply reliability. Other regenerative energy sources are available for heat and power production (solar power, geothermal energy, heat pump etc.).
Is there enough biomass available?
According to the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR), the German government's Agency for Renewable Resources, Germany has resources for an expansion of the use of forest wood without endangering forestry's sustainability.
The Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe states that up to 3.5 million hectares of arable land could be made available for energy crop cultivation in Germany by 2020.
According to a study by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, this land area could even be increased to 4.4 million hectares by 2030, without jeopardizing food supplies.
Would CHOREN also consider importing biomass?
A sustainable production in the country of origin is a key precondition for the import of biomass for CHOREN. We will not use raw materials originating from clear-cuttings or from production processes that have a considerable negative impact on the climate and the environment.
CHOREN therefore expressly supports the activities that are under way on a German and European level to introduce clear sustainability criteria.
CHOREN Industries is PEFC-certified and thus guarantees compliance with environmental and social standards.
What about competition with food production?
In the long term, CHOREN will use organic residues and short-rotation coppice energy crops as feedstocks.
With the use of recycled wood, forest wood and other organic waste, no competition with food production arises.
Almost all forms of agricultural land use represent indirect competition with other forms of use, though essentially there is enough land worldwide for both food production and bioenergy production.
How much BTL fuel per hectare can be produced with woody crops?
Based on average agricultural yields of approx. 16 tonnes per year, annual BTL production in the order of 4,000 liters per hectare is possible, according to FNR.
BTL (Biomass to Liquids)
Where can synthetic biofuel be purchased?
In general, synthetic biofuel can both be blended with conventional diesel and sold as pure synthetic biofuel.
CHOREN will not develop its own distribution system to reach the end customer, but cooperate with partners.
Can BTL also be used in gasoline engines?
Synthetic biofuel from CHOREN can at present only be used in diesel engines. The light components generated in its production (naphtha) can be used in refineries as part of gasoline fuel. It is technically possible to produce pure fuel for gasoline engines, but it requires additional process stages and is not currently planned.
How efficient is synthetic biofuel production?
In the process in the Beta Plant, more than 50 % of the biomass energy content is bound in high-quality fuel. About 4 kg of biomass are needed to produce 1 liter of synthetic biofuel.
The technology will be further optimized, so consequently further efficiency gains may be expected.
What is SunDiesel®?
SunDiesel® is a brand name for BTL diesel.
The SunDiesel® brand is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft in the European Union and other countries, and is used under license from the trademark owner Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft.