Biomass to bio/E-methanol by Breakthrough SOEC-based Process: the BeBOP innovation

BeBOP aims to industrially deploy a disruptive, digital process-intensified, ultra-high resource efficient and flexible biomass power-to-methanol plant that can transform the chemical sector. BeBOP concept is showcased as a first-of-its-kind complete TRL6 pilot plant, ready to be scaled-up and replicated by the European biomass-based industry. The pilot plant is constructed at Bioruukki, VTT, Finland. The role of LUT University in the project is to develop a digital twin of the BeBOP pilot plant. LUT University also investigates available biomass resources in the European Union, which can be utilised with sustainable practices for renewable methanol production. A review and analysis of policies that enhance the use of sustainable biomass sources and promote renewable methanol production is conducted by the LUT University.

Goals

1. To develop an intensified and economically competitive process with ultra-high resource efficiency.
2. To demonstrate at TRL6 level: (i) the integrated BeBOP biomass and power to methanol process performance and feedstock flexibility; and (ii) a dynamically operated modular bio/e-methanol synthesis unit with a fully 3D-printed reactor.
3. To demonstrate at lab-scale the durability of the SOEC exposed to BeBOP gas and operating conditions.
4. Minimize waste generation through: (i) recovery of heavy metals from gasifier solid purge at lab-scale and (ii) show the net-zero water balance of BeBOP plant.
5. To demonstrate advanced concepts on process control, developing a model able to predict the dynamic behaviour of the BeBOP system.
6. To demonstrate circularity and best use of resources, quantifying the environmental impact, analyse public perception of the BeBOP technology and estimate its market potential.
7. To generate a quantified business model with concrete implementation plans based on deployment of the BeBOP technologies in existing plant taking into account existing and new needed standards.

• EU CORE Consulting S.r.l.
• Aktsiaselts ELCOGEN
• ICODOS GMBH
• ECODESIGN company Engineering & Management Consultancy GMBH
• WOOD Italiana S.r.l
• Centrum Badaň i Innowacji PRO-AKADEMIA Stowarzyszenie
• UNI – Ente Italiano di Normazione
• Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques
• Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT OY
• Lappeenrannan-Lahden Teknillinen Yliopisto LUT
• Politecnico di Milano