Das Projekt "Reduction of fouling, slagging and corrosion characteristics of Miscanthus for power and heat generation using biotechnology" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Technische Universität Graz, Institut für Prozess- und Partikeltechnik durchgeführt. Background: Energy crops, such as Miscanthus, used for heat and power production require fuel specifications which are not yet fully met. These include as low levels of Cl, K and N. Since there are significant differences in the fuel quality of various genotypes of Miscanthus it should be possible to improve the characteristics by selecting various traits in a breeding programme. Objectives of the project: The objectives of this shared costs action is to achieve a significant reduction in cleaning, maintenance and replacement cost for expensive heat exchangers (piping) in thermal conversion processes by reducing the fouling, slagging and corrosion characteristics of Miscanthus. Technical Approach: The technical approach is to minimize the concentrations of Cl, K and S in Miscanthus and the combining effects of these elements. This will be done by analysis of the genetics behind those components that cause fouling, slagging and corrosion. The following activities are included in the work programme: development of improved genotypes using molecular techniques; field tests of Miscanthus grown in different environments; thermal conversion trials in a laboratory scale plant - testing for fouling, slagging and corrosion; estimating the benefits of reduced Cl, S and K in boilers by means of high temperature chemical equilibrium calculations; Results of the project to date. Preliminary experiments have shown the potential of using biotechnology tools for the genetic improvement of Miscanthus in selecting quality traits for combustion. Work is in progress with field experiments and laboratory scale combustion facilities. Work of the Institute of Chemical Engineering Fundamentals and Plant Engineering (GLVT), Graz University of Technology, within the project: The role of GLVT in the project is to provide know how on deposition and corrosion problems in boilers biomass combustion plants as well as to perform high temperature equilibrium calculation in order to evaluate the benefits of an improved Miscanthus fuel with lower levels of Cl, S and K. Furthermore, GLVT does also support the project with SEM and chemical analyses of deposit and corrosion samples collected in the laboratory scale test runs performed by partner BTG.