Biomass technology supports global sustainability transitions

4 Aug 2025

A circular carbon economy is in the sights of many a heavy industry and global government. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2030, renewable fuels are set to account for around 5.5 percent of global energy consumption from the industrial, construction and transport sectors.

The IEA notes that demand is due to expand in all regions, but it is concentrated in China, Brazil, Europe, India and the United States, which collectively support more than two-thirds of the forecasted growth. Although policies for renewable fuels vary by fuel, sector and country, many include a combination of mandates, greenhouse gas performance criteria, and incentives to invest in direct production.

For numerous sectors, including transportation, industrial processing, and power generation, bioenergy, produced through the combustion of biomass, is driving their zero-emissions policies and decarbonization ambitions. Currently, bioenergy stands as the largest source of renewable energy globally, accounting for 55 percent of renewable energy and over six percent of the global energy supply, says the IEA.

Innovative, diverse economies

The adoption of strong renewable energy targets and governmental policy developments often have a dual purpose, in addition to sustainability commitments, they are often seen as areas that can stimulate innovation and job creation, driving diverse, robust economies and supporting transitions to cleaner energy solutions.

Bioenergy is nothing new. In fact, it is the oldest source of energy used by humans. What is truly remarkable is today’s technological wood-processing and biomass handling capabilities, and the extraordinary potential that this market holds.

The world’s annual biomass production currently stands at an estimated 146 billion metric tons, derived predominantly from natural plant growth, says the IEA, and it forecasts a substantial role for bioenergy in achieving the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario by 2050, while also contributing to negative emissions through bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), targeting 1.3 billion metric tons of CO2 per year.
 
Bruks Siwertell is uniquely positioned to facilitate sustainable bioenergy developments, and is already supporting these huge changes in power-generation plants, as they have switched from coal-fired to biomass-fired facilities.

For example, the UK stopped burning coal for power generation in 2024. A green transition supported by almost all aspects of Bruks Siwertell biomass handling and wood-processing portfolio.

The UK’s wood pellet supplies are predominately US imports, which are processed and handled using Bruks wood-processing equipment, truck receiving and ship loading systems. Once their transatlantic journey is complete, biomass is received and unloaded at several locations using five different rail-mounted, high-capacity ST 790-D Siwertell ship unloaders, the majority of which previously handled coal; change is possible.

Bruks Siwertell’s bulk handling solutions, including ship loaders, ship unloaders, and conveying systems, ensure that biomass is transferred safely, efficiently and at the high capacities required. Also, through totally enclosed, screw-conveying systems, which minimize material degradation and dust emissions, and eliminate spillage, these systems help meet industrial-scale biomass demands while reducing environmental impact.

Massive growth potential

Bruks Siwertell’s wood-processing expertise and innovative technology, with a strong US presence, supports the global biomass industry and its ability to reach its huge potential in securing a sustainable future. This position has been strengthened even further with the acquisition of the North American engineering and manufacturing company, West Salem Machinery (WSM).

According to the 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23), released last year by the US Department of Energy (DOE), the US could sustainably triple its annual biomass production to over one billion metric tons. This production level could meet the projected demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), effectively decarbonizing its aviation industry.

Bruks Siwertell is actively involved in supporting this growth, providing advanced waste wood and agricultural byproduct processing technology and biomass handling solutions, which enhance the efficiency, environmental protection and sustainability of biomass pellet production and feedstock operations. 

Biomass for industrial applications

Beyond aviation, biomass is increasingly used in heavy industries like steel and cement manufacturing, where low-carbon fuel sources are being used for heating processes. 

For example, in the steel industry, where traditional manufacturing methods are responsible for around five percent of CO2 emissions in the EU and seven percent globally, ‘green steel’ production is emerging as a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative.

A notable reference in this arena is Bruks Siwertell’s involvement in a new biocarbon pellet plant, based in Columbus, Mississippi, USA. The plant is part of a US joint venture company between Steel Dynamics Incorporated (SDI), the fourth largest steel producer in the US, and Aymium, SDI Biocarbon Solutions.

The new pellet plant will produce biocarbon, a carbon-rich biomass-based anthracite replacement, which will supply SDI’s electric arc furnace steel mills with a renewable alternative to fossil fuel-based carbon sources using Aymium’s patented technology.

Bruks Siwertell’s equipment delivery scope for this project includes: a large, high-capacity Bruks Klöckner horizontal drum chipper; WSM screening and vertical green hammermill systems; and a Bruks radial stacker, as well as the complete conveyor system from receiving to the dryer delivery. The vast majority of equipment was sourced for supply from North America.

Heavy-duty chipping

A state-of-the-art Bruks Klöckner drum chipper has also been specified by Bioena, a leading bioenergy company in Colombia. It is planned for delivery and installation in 2025 and features a custom-designed knife and infeed configuration. The industrial wood chipper reliably delivers consistent quality wood chips, supporting Bioena’s commitment to sustainable, high-capacity energy production. 

Bioena is at the forefront of the renewable bioenergy industry. Its industrial plant, located in Santa Marta, produces biomass wood pellets from sustainably sourced wood, which play a vital role in the global move away from the use of fossil fuels. 

Abundant biomass resources

The demand for bulk transportation and processing of agricultural waste is growing as well. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), agricultural and forestry industries in the Americas are vast and produce significant surplus biomass, offering extensive bioenergy potential. In particular, corn, wheat straw, sugar cane and soybeans, frequently used in biofuels, are earmarked for export.

The USDA notes that biofuel exports have grown by 9.8 percent between 2015 and 2024; a trend that underscores the increasing role of biomass in renewable energy production.

A forerunner in biomass

Bruks Siwertell has long been a pioneer in biomass handling and wood processing. The company’s solutions are already supporting customers in the biofuel, bioenergy, and biomass pellet sectors. “Bruks Siwertell’s machinery is directly involved in the handling and processing of wood and agricultural waste for biofuel, bioenergy, and biomass pellet production,” says Ken Upchurch, SVP Sales and Marketing, Bruks Siwertell.

“We can demonstrate our global capabilities and expertise in these sectors and make sure that refineries and processing plants absolutely maximize the yields from their feedstocks; an essential prerequisite in today’s climate and for the production and commercial reality of new biofuels, such as SAF. As interest in SAF continues to rise, we are uniquely positioned to provide solutions that maximize energy yields and minimize waste,” Upchurch adds.

A sustainable path forward

“The transition to renewable biomass energy is well underway, and Bruks Siwertell remains a key partner in this journey,” continues Upchurch. “The company’s experience in handling biomass and processing wood provides a strong foundation for future growth in SAF and other bioenergy and biofuel applications. By leveraging our considerable experience and technological capabilities, we are ensuring that industries worldwide can embrace renewable energy sources.

“But energy and the aviation sector are not the only contenders in the biomass race; there are many stakeholders vying for raw materials in growth sectors such as fiber-based packaging, for example. Maintaining high capacity demands and keeping any material losses to a minimum are therefore vital,” he concludes.

Biomass has a crucial role to play in the global transition to renewable energy and sustainable, circular carbon economies. Bruks Siwertell is at the forefront of making this a reality. With its global presence, and strong position in the US, which has the potential to triple biomass production over the coming years, Bruks Siwertell’s expertise in processing and handling biomass is more valuable than ever.