Clean technology series: biomass as a renewable energy – latest developments

Continuing our series of articles relating to clean technology, we now take a look at biomass as a source of energy that is becoming increasingly recognised as a vital renewable energy source. Biomass is an attractive energy source offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and, in the UK, recent government funding and innovative technologies are driving advancements in biomass energy production.  This article summarises some of the various methods of converting biomass into energy and highlights the changes over time in patent applications and technological developments in this field.

Exemplary conversion methods

Biomass can be converted into energy through several methods, each with its unique advantages and applications. One of the most straightforward approaches is direct combustion, in which materials such as wood waste, straw, and agricultural residues are burned to produce heat and electricity. This method is commonly employed in combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which maximise energy efficiency by utilising both the heat and electrical power generated.

Anaerobic digestion is another important method, involving microorganisms breaking down organic matter (biomass) in the absence of oxygen. This biological process results in the production of biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, and digestate, a nutrient-rich fertiliser. Biogas can be used for heating, electricity generation, or upgraded to biomethane for injection into the gas grid, making it a versatile energy source. Advanced anaerobic digestion systems are designed to optimise the breakdown of organic material, ensuring maximum biogas production. Innovations include improved feedstock input systems, heating and agitation mechanisms, and gas collection technologies, which together enhance the overall efficiency of anaerobic digestion. In addition, there has been increased research in the materials involved, such as microalgae, lignocellulose and transport membranes based on nanocellulose.

Thermochemical conversion techniques such as gasification, pyrolysis, and liquefaction are also employed to convert biomass into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), bio-oil (a synthetic fuel derived from anaerobic heating of biomass), and biochar (a carbonaceous material obtained from biomass). These products can be further processed into fuels, chemicals, and other valuable commodities. Gasification, for example, involves heating biomass in a controlled environment to produce syngas, which can then be used to generate electricity or be converted into synthetic fuels. An example of a recent development in this area is the use of machine learning models to optimize gasification pathways. Researchers have developed models that predict the best gasification routes for different types of biomass, improving the efficiency of converting biomass into heat, electricity, biofuels, or chemicals. This technology helps streamline the process, reducing the time and resources needed for experimentation.

Bioenergy utilisation strategies are also evolving, with a focus on producing biofuels, bio-oil, and biochar from biomass residues and waste. These technologies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy security, and create valuable by-products that can be used in various industries.

These innovations highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance biomass conversion technologies, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Recent increase in funding

The UK government is also investing in biomass innovation. An example of this is the Hydrogen BECCS Programme which funds projects aimed at developing technologies to produce hydrogen from sustainable biomass and waste. The goal is to establish a low-carbon hydrogen economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy security. £26.2 million of funding was awarded for the project demonstration stage of the Programme, with up to £5 million of funding awarded per project.

Additionally, the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme supports projects focused on increasing biomass production and developing new methods for growing sustainable biomass materials. Phase 2 of this programme emphasises breeding, planting, cultivating, and harvesting organic energy materials, contributing to the development of a robust supply chain.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) is also supporting innovation in this area and offers a “Green Channel” for patent applications related to environmentally friendly technologies. This allows applicants to request accelerated processing of their patent applications if the invention has a clear environmental benefit.

Patent application statistics

Considering the expansion of technology and the government incentives discussed above, it is not surprising that there has been an increase in the number of patent applications in this space. This is shown in Figure 1, illustrating the number of published applications relating to biofuels that have been filed since 2000. There has been a marked increase in filings over time, and especially since the mid-2000’s where we have seen around 8,000 to 10,000 applications filed every year.

According to a joint study between the EPO and the International Energy Agency (IEA) published in 2021, the number of patents for inventions related to low-carbon energy technologies around the world grew by an average rate of 3.3% per year in the 2017-19 period. The study also found that since 2000, European companies and research institutes have led in patenting low-carbon energy inventions, with 28% (12% for Germany alone) of all international patent families in these technologies in the past decade (2010-19), followed by Japanese (25%), US (20%), South Korean (10%) and Chinese (8%) applicants.

Figure 1: the number of the biofuel patent applications (net addition) filed in all countries/areas, by year.  Source: https://www.irena.org/Data/View-data-by-topic/Innovation-and-Technology/Patents-Evolution

Conclusion

The recent developments in biomass research and the corresponding filing of patent applications highlight the growing importance of this renewable energy source. These innovations not only improve the efficiency and sustainability of biomass energy generation but also offer new opportunities for reducing environmental impact and promoting cleaner energy solutions.

By understanding the trends and technologies in biomass energy, we can consider and help to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. Whether it’s securing patents for new inventions or providing strategic advice on patent portfolios, please get in touch with our team to learn more.