Title:
Expanding Activities of an Energy Community in Central Greece by Integrating New Biomass Feedstock towards Community Bioenergy Heating. Evaluation of Market-uptake Support Activities
Author(s):
Kougioumtzis, M.A., Filippou, V., Dasopoulos, K., Karampinis, E., Grammelis, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
This paper delves into the exploration of utilizing an existing pellet plant owned by the Energy Community of Karditsa (ESEK) to enhance RESCoop activities emphasizing on the utilization of diverse biomass sources, such as i) residual urban biomass, ii) forest residues, and iii) alternative feedstocks like spent coffee grounds (SCG). The RESCoop envisions an extended role as an Energy Service Company (ESCO), operating biomass boilers in municipal buildings and providing direct heat to end-users. The paper provides an overview of technical and business support that were provided to the RESCoop for the development of such new businesss activities and aggregates the lessons learned from engaging the rural society towards sustainable bioenergy production. More specifically, the current paper provides logistical aspects of the new RESCoop value chains, covering the: a) availability, b) collection, c) transportation, and d) processing of the under-examination feedstocks, along with their costs. Additionally, a base case scenario of the RESCoop is investigated where a comprehensive feasibility study assesses the financial viability of installing biomass boilers in municipal buildings, examining capital and operational expenses, revenues, and essential financial indicators, whereas a developed business plan is presented. Furthermore, the pellets produced from the new feedstock are analyzed in the accredited solid fuel laboratory of CERTH and presented in brief. Moreover, the environmental and socio-economic impact of the new RESCoop activities in terms of CO2 equivalent savings (compared to current fossil fuel solutions) and new job positions creation respectively, are described. This detailed analysis sheds light on the potential of sustainable bioenergy integration, providing valuable insights for similar initiatives aiming to diversify and enhance sustainable energy practices in local communities.
Keywords:
bioenergy, demonstration, supply chain, socio-economic impact, circular economy
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts and Policies
Subtopic:
Sustainability, socio-economic aspects and public acceptance
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.3.13
Pages:
274 - 285
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-2AV.3.13
Price:
FREE
