Due to the clear and escalading effects of climate change, fossil fuels must be replaced by utilising renewables, improved energy efficiency and more flexible energy systems. An optimal combination of several renewable sources is needed to satisfy human energy needs. Bioenergy, in combination with hydrogen, can take the role as secure and plannable source for power and heat complementing intermittent renewable sources such as wind and sun. BIO-FlexGen aim to increase the efficiency and flexibility of renewable energy-based combined heat and power generation (CHP), playing a key role in energy system integration, and make a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy system.

Geonardo is contributing to the Social and Environmental Assessment package, via completing a Life Cycle Assessment and a Life Cycle Cost Assessment on one of the use-cases, analysing the environemtal impacts and realised costs connected to the potential implementation of the newly developed technological solution.

In particular, to overcome these challenges, Bio-FlexGen brings to the table a unique combination of gasification and gas turbine technology that allows the plant to utilise hydrogen for fast dispatch and biomass for low operating costs over time. Due to the high efficiency, three times more power can be generated from biomass for the same heat load, and the plant can quickly achieve full load by starting and operating on 100% hydrogen. To meet fluctuations in seasonal demands and prices, a variant of the plant can provide climate-positive hydrogen production during long periods of low electricity prices or heat demand.