Anaerobic digestion for energy production from agricultural biomass waste in Greece: Capacity assessment for the region of Thessaly. (15th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moustakas, K.; Parmaxidou, P.; Vakalis, S.
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 191(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-15
• Subjects: Agricultural waste -- Anaerobic digestion -- Biogas -- Soil additive -- Thessaly; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Agricultural biomass is a term that refers to the agricultural residues, which remain in the fields after harvesting along with the tree pruning. The small fraction of biomass in the Greek energy balance has been the driving force behind this research. The region of Thessaly has been chosen as case study area due to its large agricultural activities. The scope has been the research of the possibility to exploit the available biomass waste as feedstock in the existing anaerobic digestion plants. Additional scope is the identification of the available primary agricultural biomass resources. Information is provided for the potential of agricultural biomass, like quality characteristics and social benefits, but also soil additive and biogas produced. Next, the waste management potential of Larissa and Thessaly are examined in order to highlight the potential of energy production. The available anaerobic digestion plants in Thessaly are outlined. The production of primary agricultural biomass on annual basis is estimated to be 707164 tons. The significant streams are identified to be arable crops, industrial plants and tree pruning. The proposed anaerobic digestion process is expected to handle the whole biomass amounts and produce per year max. 619 GWh of electricity and 895 GWh of thermal energy. Highlights: High potential from unexploited agricultural waste valorization in Greece. Anaerobic Digestion identified as optimal pathway for energy production. Agricultural biomass in Thessaly is about 707164 t/a. Anaerobic Digestion can use 707164 tons of biomass every year in Greece. Estimated electricity production can be up to 619 GWh