What we do

At the Pyrolysis Institute Longford, we pioneer cutting-edge research and technology to transform waste into valuable resources, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Our mission is to lead groundbreaking research that advances the field of pyrolysis, offering sustainable solutions to the growing problem of waste. We are committed to developing innovative technologies that reduce waste and generate clean energy and valuable by-products that can drive global sustainability efforts.

  • Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic materials are subjected to high temperatures (typically between 400°C and 800°C, and sometimes even higher). Unlike combustion, which requires oxygen, pyrolysis breaks down materials without burning them, producing three main products: biochar (solid), pyrolysis oil (liquid), and syngas (gas).

    This process is widely used for waste management and energy recovery because it can convert various types of waste—such as plastics, biomass, and rubber—into valuable by-products, including fuels and chemical feedstocks. The key outcomes and products of pyrolysis depend on the material being processed and the specific conditions applied (such as temperature and heating rate)

  • Pyrolysis is important because it addresses several critical global challenges related to waste management, energy production, and environmental sustainability. Its significance lies in its ability to convert waste into valuable resources, reduce environmental impacts, and support the transition to a circular economy. H

  • One of the most significant contributions of pyrolysis to the energy sector is its ability to generate syngas (synthetic gas), a valuable product that can be used as a source of energy for generating electricity and heat. This process offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and plays a critical role in waste-to-energy systems. Let’s explore in detail how pyrolysis-generated syngas is used for energy generation and why it is a vital component in the transition to cleaner energy systems.

How can we make a difference?

At the Pyrolysis Institute Longford, we are committed to advancing sustainable waste management through cutting-edge pyrolysis technology. Our mission is to transform waste materials, such as plastics and biomass, into valuable resources like biofuels, syngas, and biochar, contributing to a cleaner environment and a circular economy.

By leveraging state-of-the-art research and technology, we help reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, while generating renewable energy and valuable by-products that support carbon sequestration and soil health. Pyrolysis offers a critical solution for plastic waste recycling, providing an alternative to incineration and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Through collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners, we aim to scale the adoption of pyrolysis systems, making them accessible for industrial and community use. Our efforts contribute to global sustainability goals by promoting energy security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy.

We invite businesses, policymakers, and researchers to partner with us in driving innovation and developing practical applications of pyrolysis, creating a future where waste is not discarded but transformed into a resource for energy, agriculture, and beyond.

Pyrolysis and Energy

Generation

This short podcast discusses in detail the process of pyrolysis and how it produces syngas, a valuable fuel source. Syngas is a mixture of gases that can be used to generate electricity and heat, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The document explores the various ways syngas is used for energy generation, including gas turbines, internal combustion engines, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. It also emphasises the environmental benefits of using syngas, such as its lower carbon footprint, waste reduction, and cleaner air emissions.

Pyrolysis and Energy Generation: Harnessing Syngas for Electricity and Heat

One of the most significant contributions of pyrolysis to the energy sector is its ability to generate syngas (synthetic gas), a valuable product that can be used as a source of energy for generating electricity and heat. This process offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and plays a critical role in waste-to-energy systems. Let’s explore in detail how pyrolysis-generated syngas is used for energy generation and why it is a vital component in the transition to cleaner energy systems.

What is Syngas?

Syngas is a mixture of gases primarily composed of hydrogen (H₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH₄), along with small amounts of other hydrocarbons and gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (N₂). It is produced during the pyrolysis process when organic materials, such as biomass or waste, are subjected to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. The lack of oxygen prevents combustion and allows for the breakdown of complex organic compounds into simpler gases.

How Syngas is Used for Energy Generation

Electricity Generation Syngas can be directly used in gas turbines or internal combustion engines to generate electricity. The process involves burning the syngas, which drives the turbine or engine, converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy.

o   Gas Turbines: Syngas is fed into gas turbines, where it is combusted. The heat from combustion causes the gases to expand, which turns the turbine and generates electricity. This process is similar to how natural gas is used in conventional gas turbines, making syngas a flexible replacement for fossil fuels in power generation.

o   Internal Combustion Engines: Syngas can also be used in modified internal combustion engines. The gas is ignited in the engine's cylinders, which drives pistons to create mechanical energy that can then be converted to electricity. This method is often used in smaller-scale power generation systems.

In both cases, syngas can be used as a stand-alone energy source or co-fired with other fuels, depending on the application and energy demands.

Heat Generation Besides electricity, syngas is highly effective for direct heat generation. The heat produced from burning syngas can be used for various industrial and commercial applications, including:

o   Steam Production: Syngas combustion generates heat that can be used to produce steam in boilers. This steam can then be utilized in industrial processes that require high temperatures, such as in manufacturing or chemical production.

o   District Heating: Syngas can be burned in combined heat and power (CHP) plants to provide district heating, a system where the heat generated from syngas is distributed through a network to homes and businesses, providing an efficient and sustainable heating solution.

o   Process Heating: Many industries, such as steel production, cement manufacturing, and food processing, require high levels of heat. Syngas is a renewable source of heat that can replace traditional fossil fuels in these industries, helping to reduce carbon emissions

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