Module manager: Andrew Ross
Email: A.B.Ross@Leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module considers the use of waste and biomass as renewable technologies in relation to energy recovery and a low carbon future. Students will learn about a range of developing areas including biomass combustion for power generation, energy densification and how the properties of the biomass and waste influence its potential to generate energy, as well as reviewing the emissions and regulations that are associated with such practices.
By the end of this module students should have a sound knowledge of the underlying principles of the renewable energy technologies related to waste and biomass. In particular,
- the role of biomass as a sustainable energy resource and fuel, types of biomass and waste and their composition and properties
- fundamentals of its conversion to energy, energy recovery from landfill and waste incineration, pyrolysis/gasification technologies applied to wastes and in the use of biomass in power generation
- the drivers of increased use of waste and biomass resources and associated legislative and environmental issues.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning out-comes relevant to the subject:
(1) A detailed knowledge of the different technology options used in the processing of waste and biomass.
(2) Knowledge of the legislative and environmental drivers behind the increased use of waste and biomass for resource and energy recovery and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and thereby mitigation of climate change.
(3) Knowledge gained in the area of biomass will include biomass supply chains and biomass resources, fuel characteristics of biomass and their use in combustion in power plants, issues related to improved fuel properties and high ash contents.
(4) Knowledge gained in the area of waste will include the main technology options of landfill gas recovery and use, incineration of waste and alternative options of pyrolysis/gasification and anaerobic digestion for fuels and energy recovery.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
Many of the skills developed and practiced in this module are transferable (e.g. to the research project).
A) Critical thinking, creativity, research skills, time management, problem solving and analytical skills, IT skills, decision making, active learning, reflection.
B) Integrated problem solving
C) Presentation skills, time management
D) Information, data and media literacies, digital creation problem solving and innovation, digital learning
Sustainability, policy and legislation;
Biomass and waste resources; (types of biomass and waste);
Biomass composition and properties;
Energy densification and pre-treatment of biomass
Introduction to thermochemical conversion (gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, hydrothermal)
Thermochemical conversion of biomass (Combustion, Co-firing)
Waste composition and properties;
Introduction to thermochemical conversion of municipal waste
Incineration of waste, technology and environmental issues;
Emissions from incineration
Gasification and pyrolysis of waste
Biochemical conversion of Waste (anaerobic digestion, landfill gas)
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 32 | 1 | 32 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 74 | ||
| Private study hours | 40 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback is provided by module leader and teaching staff during the tutorials, frequency every week, work builds up from 2nd taught week to final taught week.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team