A Review on Plasma Gasification of Biomass and Conversion to Jet Fuel

Abstract

Aviation sector is growing rapidly. Several organisations have determined targets to decrease GHG emissions in aviation by replacing fossil fuels with renewable bio-jet fuels. To meet these targets, the most suitable pathway is waste/biomass to jet fuel conversion. In this review, plasma gasification of waste/biomass is investigated. Then, three alternative conversion methods from syngas to jet biofuel which are state of the art or beyond, are briefly examined. When comparing the overall energy efficiencies of the three conversion methods, the values are determined to be 45% for Fischer-Tropsch (FT), 57% for gas fermentation (GF) and up to 67% for syngas to gasoline plus (STG+). FT and GF methods have a technology readiness level near to pre-commercialization.  But, among the three methods, STG+ is evaluated to be the most appropriate and simple process in all scales except the technology readiness level. Further studies are needed to maturate the STG+ technology to commercialization.

Keywords: waste, biomass, plasma gasification, bio-jet fuel, advanced biofuel, next generation biofuel technologies