Characterisation of Feedstocks - D6 Final Report (Phase 1)

The primary objective of this Project was to provide an understanding of UK produced biomass properties, how these vary and what causes this variability. This report provides an overview of the first phase (2015/16) of the Characterisation of Feedstocks project, excluding the extension work (reported in Deliverables D12 Report and D13 Whole Project Executive Report). The report starts with a summary of the key findings from the four studies carried out during 2015 and 2016. This is followed by an introduction to the context of the Project, including background, rationale and objectives; a description of the project approach, including the parameters investigated; the hypotheses tested; and the experimental protocols. The report then provides a summary of the two main areas of study, the results obtained and the statistical analyses used. An initial comparison of the results with those in the principal International database of biomass properties is discussed to put the results into context. The results and findings from the third and fourth areas of study are presented: comparison of variation within individual fields with those observed between sites, and the effect of pelletisation on Miscanthus properties. Commentary on the relative costs of establishment and production for the different feedstocks are provided. Finally the implications of, and recommendations to be drawn from the study are discussed