Thermo-chemical conversion of bio-waste for energy carrier production: A spatial analysis for Bavaria, Germany

The current global geopolitical situation has brought the matter of energy security and energy gap to the forefront. In addition to that, perceived future sustainable development and decarbonization goals demand increased application and use of renewable energy (RE) sources into the energy system. However, considering the spatial availability of RE source’s potential for generating green electricity (GE) is of paramount importance. Limitations in availability of the RE sources such as wind energy and solar potential over various spatial as well as temporal scale, requires identification of alternative sources of energy generation and storage. In this regard, bio-waste (BW) and sewage sludge (SS) processing in urban as well as rural pockets can be seen as a practical source of energy production. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the spatial impact of BW＋SS processing using ‘Thermo-chemical conversion’ (TCC) technologies such as novel ‘Thermo catalytic reforming’ (TCR®) process developed at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. The idea is to understand the sustainable bio-waste treatment potential using TCR® technology and in turn production of energetically and commercially valuable intermediates from it. In accordance with the ‘Sustainable development goals’ (SDG-7, 13), such approach of BW＋SS treatment can provide affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. In addition to that, production of sustainable/green hydrogen (SH/GH) can also be envisioned while saving considerable number of valuable resources such as water. Bavarian region of Germany has been taken as an area of interest for this study. Cities such as Augsburg, Munich, Neu-Ulm and, Nuremburg are identified to be having highest potential for BW＋SS processing. It has also been found that there is a possibility for regional cluster formation to exploit the BW and SS processing potential.