Background
For some years, wood pellets have been used by power plants in the UK and elsewhere in Europe as a supplement or replacement for coal. There is now growth in use of this fuel within Asia. But traditional wood pellets have some disadvantages as a coal alternative including variability in combustion properties, moisture absorption, high calcium and silica content, and low combustion efficiency.
A new process, known as torrefaction, roasts wood pellets to give them a moisture content about half that of conventional wood pellets, and higher bulk and energy density. The process promises to make these new wood pellets a more attractive alternative to conventional wood pellets.
Assessment
In early 2018, Seaport began the first phase of a market assessment and prefeasibility study to determine optimal logistics solutions for the manufacture and ocean shipment of torrefied pellets.
The new manufacturing plant would bring in raw materials – including waste wood and woodchips – from regional sources arriving by rail, barge, and truck. The manufactured pellets would be bagged and exported using open hatch gantry crane ships or in larger quantities using conventional bulkers.
The study includes an analysis of the global competitive environment with emphasis on the Pacific Basin and on the status of wood pellet production within that region. Seaport assessed a variety of packaging methods, material handling technologies, ship types and sizes, locations of the production plant, rail, road, and barge facilities for inbound raw materials, and locations of a new marine terminal for exports.
Results
The study results will be used in planning the next steps, to include an in-depth competitive analysis, a preliminary metocean and navigation analysis of the chosen site, and other assessments needed to begin design engineering of the new export facility.