Bio-char refineries: an accessible approach for the development of biomass-based industry

Being a by-product of the well-established charcoal industry, slow pyrolysis bio-oil can be an excellent, cost-effective and renewable liquid fuel. However, even in Brazil, a country with a very clean energy profile and large-scale charcoal production, bio-oil is not properly utilised yet. A simple upgrade of traditional methods of charcoal production can significantly increase liquid fuel output. The concept of a bio-char-refinery, introduced in this paper, for production of charcoal, activated carbon, liquid fuel and variety of chemicals presents a possible approach for the development of biomass-based industry. Successful implementation of this concept could provide significant amounts of fuel and chemicals able to enhance economic development and reduce the consumption of petroleum derived products.