Title:
Sida Hermaphrodita (L.) - A promising Energy Crop for Producing an Intelligent, Densified and Versatile Energy Carrier for Central Europe
Author(s):
von Gehren, P., Gansberger, M., Pichler, W., Wopienka, E., Montgomery, L.F.R., Mayr, J.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
In the EU, the increase of energy production from renewable resources leads to the extension of cultivated areas for dominating, often annual, energy crops, and thereby increasing monoculture in the agricultural landscape. As a consequence, an increased spread of specific pests and diseases as well as a reduction in biodiversity can be noticed. Sida hermaphrodita L., a perennial, flowering forb of the family Malvaceae can be considered a promising alternative bioenergy crop for biogas, bioethanol and pellets production. Due to its perennial nature and the long lasting inflorescence, the crop can be considered ecologically beneficial since it helps to prevent soil erosion, reduces herbicide use due to its weed suppressing properties and serves as a food source for pollinating insects. To estimate the potential of this perennial energy crop in Austria, the holistic commodity chain of S. hermaphrodita L., from crop production over crop cultivation to energetic utilization as a gaseous, liquid or solid product needs to be assessed. In this publication we show first research results, which include investigations in germination characteristics as well as assessment of biomass, biogas and pelletizing potentials and the combustion characteristics of pellets produced from S. hermaphrodita L. biomass.
Keywords:
biodiversity, biogas, combustion, perennial energy crops, pelletization, environmental impact
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass crops and energy grasses
Event:
24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.1.23
Pages:
325 - 329
ISBN:
978-88-89407-165
Paper DOI:
10.5071/24thEUBCE2016-1DV.1.23
Price:
FREE
