Title:
Biomass for Heat Generation and Wastewater Management in the Agri-Food Sector - Are Circular Economy Benefits Realised?
Author(s):
Wolsey, M., Smyth, B., Johnston, C.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
Concerns over the use of fossil fuels and rising greenhouse gas emissions have resulted in an increased interest in biomass for energy. Short rotation coppice willow is an energy crop that is widely grown in temperate climates, due to its high growth rate and favorable yields. It is a crop that can also be used for bioremediation purposes, but there is limited information on the energy and carbon impacts of the use of willow for wastewater management. The aim of this paper was to investigate the energy and carbon impacts of a willow plantation used both as a source of biomass for heat and for wastewater management in an agri-food facility involved in fruit processing. The analysis revealed an energy ratio of 4.8. Greenhouse gas emissions savings of over 80% were achieved compared to the conventional wastewater management system. Energy and emissions savings were in the region of 10% for the company’s heating system which now has a reduced oil demand due to the use of wood chips. There are clear environmental and circular economy benefits to the system, but further improvements could be made through fuel switching to renewable electricity and installing wood chip processing facilities on site.
Keywords:
energy balance, greenhouse gases (GHG), life cycle assessment (LCA), willow, wastewater treatment, circular economy
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Integrated biomass production for energy purposes
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BO.9.3
Pages:
107 - 113
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-1BO.9.3
Price:
FREE
