Title:
Selection and Establishment of Energy Crops in Abandoned and Unused Land for Biomass Production in Cambrils
Author(s):
Kourkoumpas, D-S., Papadelis, C.E., Grammelis, P., Karellas, S., Kakaras, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the economic and environmental viability of a new business model for agricultural cooperatives, integrating energy savings and the generation of renewable energies and biomass production. Coop Cambrils active in oil production, faces high maintenance and operation costs. That issue, in conjunction with the presence of unexploited land area next to cooperative facilities, led the stakeholders of the cooperative to assess the possibility of the cultivation of energy crops for the production of biomass in order to cover a part of the energy and thermal demands of the unit’s operation. For that purpose, a total area of dry and unused land was selected at Coop Cambrils facilities for the establishment of suitable energy crops. Based on the soil and climate characteristics of the study area and the ecology characteristics of twelve suitable energy crops, barley, triticale, cardoon, sunflower and sorghum were finally selected to be sowed in the study area for biomass production. Although, the rainfall height was very low during the crops development, the results of the biomass production were satisfactory. The laboratory analysis showed that the cultivated crops have high biomass and energy potential and provide good choices to cover energy and thermal demands. The use of abandoned for the cultivation of energy crops for biomass productions should be a high priority for agricultural cooperatives with positive socio-economic and environmental impact to the local area.
Keywords:
energy crops, economic viability, abandoned land, agricultural cooperatives
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Integrated biomass production for energy purposes
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.8.36
Pages:
231 - 235
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-1BV.8.36
Price:
FREE
