Biomass gasification as an industrial process with effective proof-of-concept: A comprehensive review on technologies, processes and future developments

The search for alternatives to fossil energy traditional sources led to the development of a set of energy conversion processes, which include biomass thermochemical conversion technologies, such as torrefaction, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, or gasification. These conversion technologies have shown significant evolutions, and there are already several examples available of application on an industrial scale. Biomass gasification processes have also presented significant developments, mainly when associated with the production of syngas with potential for energy recovery or to produce synthetic fuels, but mainly due to its potential to be used as a sustainable hydrogen production technology. In the present work, a bibliographic review of the current state-of-the-art of the biomass gasification is carried out, focusing in the gasification technologies, syngas cleaning processes, simulation methodologies on process parameters. Finally, future developments and possibilities are also analyzed and discussed, with the introduction of a new approach to hydrogen production based on the use of an adapted combustion process with air deficit. [Display omitted] •A comparative analysis of the different technologies is conducted.•An emphasizing on the cleaning methods of the gas is done.•Process modelling and simulation are analyzed and discussed.•A new alternative approach to the production of hydrogen is presented.