Biomass
We study efficient applications for energy from the countryside.
Acciona Energy owns and operates electricity generation plants based on biomass, and actively researches in this field to select raw materials, find the most efficient technological processes, and obtain major improvements in supplier logistics.
The exploitation of biomass for obtaining energy, producing electricity, making use of the heat generated and making biofuels opens up new opportunities for the creation of added value in the rural world and also new jobs. It also helps territorial cohesion by mitigating the exodus of people from the countryside to urban areas and contributes to achieving a less centralized and more self-sufficient energy system. All this is managed according to criteria of sustainability.
Innovative activities
Based on the experience acquired with the biomass plant at Sangüesa, operational since 2002, and later with the Spanish plants at Briviesca and Miajadas (second semester of 2010), Acciona aims to optimize the management and the operation of its biomass projects by driving innovation in certain areas, for example:
- The selection and search for biomass as a raw material, and the development and exploitation of herbaceous and woody crops.
- The improvement of the whole logistics process, machinery, humidity control, intermediate storage and the transport of biomass. The correct drying of biomass for use is a crucial element.
- The study of the territory and the planning of collection campaigns with Geographic Information System (GIS) software; remote sensing and LIDAR for ortho-photography at different levels; systems for the control of truck fleets and equipment for use in the fields during the campaign, plus the optimization of routes and means of transport.
- Better performance in the plants, to maximize the energy produced.
- Recovery of scrap and ash produced during the combustion of different biomass materials. The ash can be used as fertilizer, and scrap material for construction.
Multibiom Project
The objective of the project is to develop a high-power boiler for the combustion of 100% renewable multi-fuel biomass that can handle all kinds of biomass, including those that pose greater difficulties (due to their effects of corrosion, higher generation of scrap and deposits) and require 2% less biomass than the technology currently used.
Decocel Project
The main objective of the DECOCEL project is the commercial production of electricity in centralized plants based on biomass from energy crops.
Logistec project
The main objectives of the Logistec project are to develop new and/or optimized supply logistics for lignocellulose crop biomass, covering the phases of collection, transport and storage and to design a sustainable logistics system at local supplier level, for small or large scale bioenergy or biomaterials projects.
ENERCORN Project
The main aim of the ENERCORN project is to design, develop, construct and operate a highly efficient biomass plant (16 MW) that runs on maize stover. It sets out to demonstrate the plant's considerable operational availability and its technical and financial viability, so as to develop this technology in Spain and other European countries.
On Cultivos Project
The aim of the "On Cultivos" Unique and Strategic Project is to develop, demonstrate and evaluate the viability of energy production in Spain using biomass from energy crops.
ACCIONA Biofuels works with around thirty companies, universities, research centers and other organizations to define, develop and disseminate the technical, financial and environmental conditions required to enable this form of energy production's sustainable commercial implementation.
Energy Crops for Biomass Project
The final objective of this project is to determine the productivity and adaptation of previously defined plant species in different areas of Spain, and also techniques for collecting biomass that allow us to optimize its use for the generation of electricity.
