centrta international technologies
Biomass
A Renewable Source of Energy
Biomass represents a significant source of renewable energy, as it is a natural material that can be replenished in a sustainable manner. Under the term “bioenergy,” we understand the generation of energy through plant-based raw materials, such as crop residues, wood waste or organic waste. These materials are of natural origin and act as natural storage units for solar energy.
The flexibility of biomass in terms of applications is particularly important: it can be used as fuel for heat production, electricity generation, or combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Compared to conventional fossil fuels, biomass offers the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions, while the utilization of materials considered waste adds considerable value.
At CENTRA INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES , we invest in the processing of such materials — from manure and biogas residues to wood chips and green waste — to create a closed-loop system of energy production and useful byproducts.
Our Technology
The biomass undergoes a pyrolysis process during which it is carbonized and converted into syngas. Processable materials include nutshells, sewage sludge, green waste, wood residues, and other organic byproducts. The produced gas mainly consists of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide, with ratios depending on the source and processing conditions.
This gas can be used to generate electricity and thermal energy, generating annual revenues ranging from €120,000 to €600,000, depending on the size of the facility. At the same time, transitioning from traditional energy mixes (such as in Germany) enables an annual reduction of CO₂ emissions between 500 and 6,000 tons.
Biochar – A Climate - Positive Resource
A secondary product of the process is biochar, a material with broad applications, especially in agriculture and carbon sequestration. Biochar helps maintain soil fertility, retain water and nutrients, and serves as a long-term carbon sink. One ton of biochar corresponds to the permanent removal of 2–3 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Biochar can be sold directly or further processed using technologies provided by our partners. Demand for biochar is growing at double-digit rates, and its price is expected to range between €100 and €150 per ton. Depending on the capacity of the plant, biochar production can reach up to 1,800 tons annually, removing up to 5,500 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
For existing biogas plants, our technology provides solutions when there is limited storage capacity for digestate. In cases where storage for 180 or 270 days is insufficient or impossible due to weather conditions, we propose processing the residue via our process, reducing seasonal dependency and improving energy efficiency.