In the past decades, challenges associated with depletion of fossil fuels have been increasingly under scrutiny from nation and international institutions (e.g. EU, UN). One way to tackle these issues could be the utilization of biomass for energy and chemicals production (e.g. Fischer-Tropsch reactions): in particular, biomass fast pyrolysis has been regarded as a promising solution due to the production of crude bio-oil, which could be applied in numerous cases. Among the challenges presented by biomass fast pyrolysis, the quality of the crude bio-oil as well as difficulties in the management of ash in the plant shall be highlighted. This study aims at deepening the understanding of ash management in biomass pyrolysis operations in accordance with the guidelines agreed upon by industrial and academic partners.