Biomass and central receiver system (CRS) hybridization: Integration of syngas/biogas on the atmospheric air volumetric CRS heat recovery steam generator duct burner

Central receiver systems (CRS) are a promising concentrated solar power (CSP) technology for dispatchable electricity generation. The CRS levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is usually increased by low power-block capacity factors or by high thermal storage costs. The economical turnover is still positive for the Portuguese case but depends on the bonus feed-in tariffs. On the other hand, with biomass existing feed-in tariffs and raising prices, the viability of current biomass power plants is at risk. To address these issues, several base case power plants and hybrid biomass/CSP options are analyzed: wood gasification, refuse-derived fuel pellets, biogas from a wastewater anaerobic digester, biogas from a landfill and natural gas.