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Biomass Power Generation

Maximize energy output, reduce emissions and streamline operations
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Power Generation
    • Biomass
    • Biomass
    • Coal
    • Coal
    • Hydroelectric
    • Hydroelectric
    • Natural Gas
    • Natural Gas
    • Nuclear Power
    • Nuclear Power
    • Renewable Energy
    • Renewable Energy
    • Solar
    • Solar
    • Wind
    • Wind

Running out of gas

Biomass power generation facilities face a range of operational and engineering challenges that hinder efficiency and profitability. Managing variable feedstock types and ensuring smooth transitions between different fuels can be complex and disruptive. Many plants struggle to design or expand facilities efficiently, or to upgrade aging systems without disrupting operations. Asset management tools are often difficult to manage and maintain, and suboptimal dryer performance can drive up energy costs. At the same time, workforce training remains a persistent issue, especially as experienced personnel retire or shift roles.

On the operational side, limited access to real-time data makes it difficult to make informed decisions in a timely manner. Operators are often forced to manage multiple balance-of-plant systems across disparate platforms, reducing visibility and introducing inefficiencies. Cybersecurity concerns are also growing as digital connectivity increases. And when issues arise, many plants lack timely access to the troubleshooting resources and support they need.

These challenges make it clear that biomass facilities require integrated, flexible, and secure automation solutions to optimize performance and ensure long-term reliability.

Flexible automation for efficient, profitable biomass power

To use biomass fuel successfully, plants must have flexible automation systems that enable cost-effective, safe and sustainable operations. With Rockwell Automation solutions for optimized plant control, you improve profitability and reduce production and compliance risk. From combustion control and condition monitoring to emissions and environmental management, our goal is to maximize efficiency throughout your plant.

Plant-wide process control platform

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Adaptable automation for changing feedstocks

Handle variable biomass feedstocks with ease.

Our flexible automation systems deliver smooth changeovers and consistent performance, no matter the fuel source.

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Engineering support from concept to commissioning

Leverage the global network of experts Rockwell Automation has to overcome design and implementation challenges. We help you accelerate timelines, reduce risk and achieve project success.

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Solutions for legacy upgrades and new builds

Modernize existing infrastructure or build from the ground up with confidence. Our proven technologies scale to fit your plant’s unique goals and constraints.

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Standards-based, integrated control systems

Streamline operations with systems designed to meet biomass industry standards. Our integrated control and information platforms enable reliability and consistency across your plant.

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Fuel yard asset management tools

Maintain critical fuel yard equipment more efficiently. Our tools help improve asset visibility, extend equipment life and reduce unplanned downtime.

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Smarter control for dryer optimization

Boost energy efficiency with advanced dryer control.

We help you reduce waste, improve throughput and maintain product quality.

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Real-time data for informed decision-making

Access critical operational insights when and where you need them.

Real-time visibility supports faster decisions, better compliance and improved process control.

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Unified platform for balance-of-plant control

Eliminate silos and inefficiencies with a single, integrated control solution.

Our platform simplifies management of auxiliary systems and supports coordinated plant performance.

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Built-in cybersecurity to help protect operations

Safeguard your plant with cybersecurity embedded in every layer.

Rockwell Automation solutions follow best practices and standards to reduce operational and cyber risk.

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Rapid support — anywhere you operate

Get expert help when issues arise.

Our global service network enables you to have access to technical support, troubleshooting, and spare parts wherever your plant is located.

Waste emissions capture and methane-to-energy

Municipalities, waste companies and waste-to-energy operators face growing pressure to convert methane emitted from decomposing organic waste into usable energy safely, efficiently and sustainably. While this can be a lucrative investment, realizing this isn’t easy. Facilities must monitor and control complex processes involving digester gas, retention ponds and landfill gas while meeting strict environmental regulations. Many operations also struggle with aging infrastructure, fragmented systems and the challenge of integrating new technologies into legacy plants. In the case of a greenfield facility, predicting gas throughputs and composition presents another layer of challenges.

Rockwell Automation helps overcome these barriers with proven, end-to-end solutions for gas-to-energy applications. Our integrated systems combine predictive modeling, SCADA, control and power technologies to optimize performance across the entire operation.

We provide control systems tailored to waste-treatment facilities that capture methane for reuse, real-time data access to improve uptime and reduce emissions, and mid-voltage power solutions to support energy recovery efforts. With experience in municipal and landfill waste-to-energy projects, Rockwell Automation delivers the tools, visibility and reliability needed to make methane capture a viable part of your sustainability strategy.

A modern biogas plant in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont. Cardè, Italy - January 2023

Biomass Pellet Production

Biomass pellet producers face intense pressure to maintain high throughput and consistent quality while managing energy use and avoiding costly downtime. The linear nature of pellet production means that a single failure can halt the entire process, making reliability and predictive maintenance critical.

At the same time, producers must scale operations to meet rising demand for biomass fuels across North America, all while addressing workforce training gaps and enabling less experienced staff to operate and maintain complex systems.

Rockwell Automation offers a complete portfolio of iintegrated control and power solutions to address these challenges. Our PlantPAx® process control system, combined with intelligent motor control for both low and medium-voltage motors, delivers precise control and energy efficiency throughout your production line.

SCADA and visualization tools provide real-time insight, while condition monitoring technologies like Dynamix™ and FactoryTalk® Analytics™ – Guardian AI™ enable predictive maintenance and reduced downtime. With advanced automation that optimizes drying times and improves yield, Rockwell Automation helps pellet manufacturers run smarter, safer, and more profitably.

FactoryTalk® Analytics™ LogixAI® predicts the average moisture content of pellets from surface moisture and other key measurements. Operators then adjust parameters, such as temperature and drying time, to achieve targets on the final product, improving consistency and reducing give-away.

Case Studies

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Resources

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Ready to power your biomass operations more efficiently?

Contact us today to learn how Rockwell Automation helps you optimize performance, reduce risk and accelerate your path to sustainable energy.

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