Feasibility Study of Coal Refuse and Biomass/Torrefied Biomass Co-Fired Power Plant: Performance, Cost and Environmental Impacts

The primary project goal is to identify optimal biomass/torrefied biomass and coal refuse cofiring ratios to produce carbon-neutral or carbon-negative power generation from co-fired power plants. Specific goals are to develop a technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA) of a biomass/torrefied biomass and coal refuse co-fired power plant. Objectives are to examine heat and mass balances for coal refuse and biomass cofiring scenarios; evaluate levelized cost of electricity (LCOE); assess environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions; and identify the effects of torrefaction and pelleting on the performance, cost, and environmental impacts of various cofiring ratios. The team will produce novel data on this method to achieve carbon-neutral or carbon-negative power generation using coal refuse and low-carbon biomass/torrefied biomass.