Bio-energy
May 10, 2007
Recommendations for a Bioenergy Plan for California ; CEC-600-2006-004-F APRIL 2006
http://energy.ca.gov/2006publications/CEC-600-2006-004/CEC-600-2006-004-F.PDF
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Conversion Pathways
Recommendations for a Bioenergy Plan for California ; CEC-600-2006-004-F APRIL 2006
http://energy.ca.gov/2006publications/CEC-600-2006-004/CEC-600-2006-004-F.PDF
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Pipeline-Quality Biogas Benefits
• California has 1.7 million cows in 2,100 dairies
– 75% in Northern California
– 50% in San Joaquin Valley
• Methane normally escapes to atmosphere from open lagoons at
dairies
• Methane and other reactive organic gases (ROGs) cause air nonattainment status for San Joaquin Valley
• Methane is 21 times as potent as CO2 as a Greenhouse Gas
• Central generating plants are cleaner and more efficient than
small, distributed generators that would be used at dairies
• Pipeline transport to cleanest, most efficient central plant cleans up
valley air and destroys a potent greenhouse gas
• PG&E will produce more renewable energy without the need for
electric transmission reinforcements
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Biomass Sources and Existing Power Facilities
Source: CEC Report A roadmap for Biomass in California, CEC-500-2006-095-D, November 2006
http://biomass.ucdavis.edu/pages/reports/Roadmap.doc
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Recommendations for a Bioenergy Plan for California ; CEC-600-2006-004-F APRIL 2006
http://energy.ca.gov/2006publications/CEC-600-2006-004/CEC-600-2006-004-F.PDF
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Overview of Conventional Processes
Source: Office Biomass Program Presentation to Technical Adisory Committee March 11, 2004
http://www.brdisolutions.com/site%20docs/FACAGasification.pdf
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Promising Technology: Great Point Energy’s Catalytic
Methanation
•
Claims to produce $2.50-$3.50/MMbtu
methane from coal without subsidies or
tax credits
•
Key to process is proprietary catalyst
that allows low temperature
gasification/methanation process with
steam
–
Large avoided capital
infrastructure
–
Significant reduction in operating
costs from operating at lower
temperatures
–
Lower maintenance
requirements
•
Demo project at O’Hare airport
•
Investor backing includes Draper
Firsher Jurvelson, Kleiner Perkins
•
Management team includes serial
entrepreneurs, gasification and refining
veterans
Source www.greatpointenergy.com
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