In the UK, a thermal process called torrefaction, typically used for coffee bean roasting, has been successfully tested as a means of improving the combustion potential of willow, canary grass and wheat straw. The tests by the Supergen Bioenergy Consortium, showed that torrefaction reduces the space and mass of biomass, making it more economical to transport, and improves the energy density, or time and energy inputs needed to heat them to burning point.
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