During M1-M18, PYRAGRAF achieved significant progress across multiple WPs.
WP1 established a strong project framework with a Project Management Plan (D1.6) and key meetings: Kick-off (M1, Portalegre), Consortium Meetings (M7, Munich; M12, Gebze), and a Steering Committee (M15), which formed an Advisory Board (AB) for expert guidance. BIOREF ensured scientific coordination, pre-validating deliverables and achieving milestones like biomass pyrolysis optimization and a smart biomass dryer. Data management followed FAIR principles, with D1.2 and D1.3 ensuring quality and security. Gender balance was also prioritized.
WP2 identified and characterized feedstocks—pine bark, pistachio pruning, rice husk, eucalyptus bark, olive pomace, grass silage, Miscanthus, and hemp—selecting two per country (Portugal, Germany, Türkiye). A smart screw conveyor dryer was developed, optimizing parameters for pine bark and pistachio pruning. Pyrolysis tests refined biochar production, and gasification trials optimized the gasifier-burner unit. WP2 ended in M18, achieving its goals.
WP3 advanced process modeling, mass-energy balances, and a solar concentration system (SCS). Ray-tracing simulations optimized heliostat configurations, and basic engineering for the integrated pyrolysis unit began. Procurement for key components, including an auger pyrolysis reactor, was underway.
WP4 and WP5 started in M19, thus out of scope. However, WP5 initiated preparatory work. Task 5.1 (Pyrogas clean-up & catalytic upgrading) saw KTH constructing a semi-batch reactor for Topsøe catalyst characterization. Task 5.2 (Bio-oil upgrading) included a literature review, a property-upgrading matrix, and preliminary HDO tests (LNEG, BIOREF) using CoMo catalysts.
WP6 launched surveys in four languages, though response rates were low, necessitating literature-based analysis. Solar integration, techno-economic, and LCA tasks were delayed due to WP3 dependencies. Task 6.5 (Social acceptance & socio-economic LCA) began stakeholder analysis and workshops using UNEP guidelines.
Overall, M1-M18 focused on preparatory activities, reactor designs, literature reviews, and early experiments, establishing a solid foundation for WP4–WP6 and ensuring smooth project advancement.
