Title:
Thermochemical Conversion of Crop Residues in the Province of Huíla, Angola: What's the Impact?
Author(s):
Cativa, F., Costa, J., Fernando, A.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
In recent years, the search for cleaner energy sources in Angola has been driven by the urgent need to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels for energy production. This movement has become even more relevant because of the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, especially by the transport and industry sectors, placing the country in an environmental and socio-economic dilemma. Despite Angola#39;s vast resources of hydroelectric power and fossil fuels, only 30% of the population has access to electricity. Most rely on firewood, which accounts for 65% of the country#39;s primary energy consumption, and is consumed by around 80% of the rural population. Firewood is traditionally burnt in three-stone fires, which is an inefficient energy conversion, and harmful to health due to the emissions released. Given this scenario, there is a need to explore more sustainable alternatives to use biomass as an energy source for cooking. This work aims to evaluate different scenarios and technologies to promote more efficient conversion of biomass, reducing harmful emissions and the respective adverse health impacts. Two approaches were considered: (i) the partial replacement of firewood with agricultural residues, and (ii) the implementation of more efficient cookstoves capable of significantly reducing firewood consumption and polluting emissions. Residues produced from harvesting corn (Zea mays L.), millet (Pennisetum robustum Stapf & C.E. Hubb) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L., Moench) in the Huíla province were determined. Preliminary results indicate that crop residues can replace the firewood used by households to cook by 25%, and, in some Comunes, the production is enough to replace the firewood. The implementation of improved cookstoves can increase the amount of net energy gain by 50% and contribute to reducing CO emissions and PM emissions by 10%, thus also contributing to improving the health of the population. However, it is important to recognise the challenges that arise from this energy transition. Switching to a more efficient technology requires a significant financial investment, which may not be accessible to the vast majority of the rural population. In addition, it is necessary to build an infrastructure to store agricultural residues, which can also be an obstacle. It is therefore important to promote public policies that encourage, support and facilitate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy source in Angola. These policies must take into account economic, social and environmental aspects to guarantee equitable and sustainable development for all sections of the Angolan society.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, bioenergy, sustainability, environmental impact, Angola
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Biomass strategies and policies
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2BV.7.17
Pages:
402 - 407
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2BV.7.17
Price:
FREE
