The IEA Technology Collaboration Programme (TCP) on Fluidized Bed Conversion (FBC) is an international network of experts dedicated to advancing fluidized bed technologies for the production of clean energy, heat, fuels, and chemicals. Through collaboration between industry, research organizations, and universities, the TCP accelerates innovation and supports the deployment of efficient and environmentally sustainable conversion technologies.

Today, the programme brings together participants from 21 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia, creating a unique platform for knowledge exchange and joint research.

The FBC TCP aims to improve the technical and environmental performance of fluidized bed technologies used for the conversion of fuels, biomass, wastes, and other feedstocks. The programme promotes the development of solutions that enhance:

• Energy efficiency

• Fuel flexibility

• Operational reliability

• Emission reduction

• Carbon management

• Energy-system resilience

By combining international expertise, the TCP contributes to the development of future low-carbon energy systems.

Fluidized bed technologies enable the efficient conversion of solid flows through:

• Combustion

• Gasification

• Pyrolysis

• Other conversion processes

The most widely used systems are:

• Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB)

• Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB)

These technologies can operate under atmospheric or pressurized conditions and are suitable for a wide range of solid feeds and fuels, including biomass, waste-derived fuels, coal, and industrial residues.

The programme facilitates collaboration through technical meetings, workshops, joint studies, and international research activities. Members share operational experience, scientific findings, and best practices to address common challenges and accelerate technological progress.

Research activities include both experimental and modelling studies, ranging from process fundamentals to the operation of large-scale commercial plants.

Current activities focus on:

• Carbon capture and carbon management

• Oxy-fuel and chemical looping combustion

• NOₓ and N₂O formation and reduction

• Pollutant capture and emission control

• Sorbent reactivity and performance

• Solids attrition and fragmentation

• Corrosion mechanisms

• Bed agglomeration and sintering

• Recovery of critical raw materials and ash utilization

• Advanced modelling of gas-solid flow and heat transfer

The TCP has produced numerous technical reports, research reviews, and collections of outstanding papers covering developments in fluidized bed conversion. It has also developed widely used modelling tools and guidance documents that support both industrial practice and academic research.

Fluidized bed technologies play an important role in the transition toward sustainable energy systems. Their ability to utilize diverse fuels, reduce emissions, and integrate with emerging carbon-management solutions makes them a key technology for achieving energy security and climate goals.

The FBC TCP provides the international collaboration needed to advance these technologies and support their implementation worldwide.