Assessment of bioenergy production potential from agricultural residues in Markazi Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Agricultural Engineering Research Group, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Khorramabad, Iran

3 Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

The depletion of fossil resources and the environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels have heightened the importance of renewable energy sources, including biomass. One effective way to harness biomass energy is through the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from agricultural waste. Given the significant amount of agricultural residues and their inadequate management in the country, it is crucial to assess the potential for bioenergy production and analyze the distribution of this renewable resource across different regions of Iran. This research aims to evaluate the bioenergy production potential from agricultural residues in Markazi Province. Data for this study was gathered from relevant organizations, library sources, and agricultural statistics covering crops (2016-17 to 2020-21) and horticulture (2017-21) over a five-year period. The results indicate that the annual production of crops and horticulture in the province was 1,194,134 tons. The theoretical biomass potential, theoretical energy potential, and available energy from these residues were calculated to be 910,069 tons, 15,424,483 GJ, and 3,340,869 GJ, respectively. The energy potential and the electrical and thermal output of the CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system from the residues were estimated at 263,449 MWh of electricity (37.65 MW) and 406,994 MWh of heat (58.16 MW). Additionally, the global warming potential index was estimated to be 181,954.54 tons of CO2 equivalent. Based on the per capita electricity consumption of 6.218 MWh in the province for 2021, the electrical energy generated from these residues could meet the electricity needs of 42,369 residents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

Introduction

The depletion of fossil resources and the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels have heightened the importance of renewable energy sources, including biomass energy. One effective method for harnessing energy from biomass is the combined generation of electricity and heat from agricultural waste. Cogeneration, a highly efficient technology, produces both electricity and thermal energy using a variety of technologies and fuels, offering a cost-effective solution to reduce CO2 emissions. Given the significant amount of agricultural residues and the lack of proper management in the country, it is crucial to assess the potential for bioenergy production and to map the distribution of this renewable resource across different regions of Iran. This research, therefore, aims to evaluate the potential for bioenergy production from agricultural residues in Markazi Province, Iran.

Material and Methods

Information for this study was gathered from relevant organizations, library sources, and agricultural statistics on crops (2016-17 to 2020-21) and horticulture (2017-21), covering a five-year period. This section of the research focuses on the geographical location of the region, crop and horticulture data, methods for calculating the theoretical and available energy of residues, the examination of simultaneous electricity and heat production, and the estimation of pollutant emissions from bioenergy production using agricultural residues.

Results and Discussion

The study results showed that the annual production of crops and horticulture in the province amounted to 1,194,134 tons. The theoretical biomass potential, theoretical energy potential, and available energy from their residues were calculated to be 910,069 tons, 15,424,483 GJ, and 3,340,869 GJ, respectively. The energy potential and the electrical and thermal power of the CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system from the total residues of the studied crops and horticulture were estimated at 263,449 MWh of electricity with a power of 37.65 MW and 406,994 MWh of heat with a power of 58.16 MW. Additionally, the global warming potential index was calculated to be 181,954.54 tons of CO2 equivalent. Among the crops studied, wheat had the highest energy potential, generating 115,457 MWh of electricity with a power of 16.50 MW and 129,890 MWh of heat with a power of 18.56 MW. In contrast, walnut residues had the lowest energy potential, producing 11,169 MWh of electricity with a power of 0.17 MW and 4,675 MWh of heat with a power of 0.67 MW.

Conclusion

Based on the per capita electricity consumption of 6.218 MWh in the province for 2021, the electrical energy generated from crop and horticultural residues could meet the needs of 42,369 residents. The findings indicate that Markazi province, Iran, has significant potential for bioenergy production from agricultural residues.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, M.Kh., M.S. and H.Gh.M.; methodology, M.Kh. and M.S.; software, M.S. and Sh.M.; validation, M.Kh. and M.S.; formal analysis, M.Kh., M.S. and H.Gh.M.; investigation, M.S.; resources, M.S. and Sh.M.; data curation, M.Kh., M.S., H.Gh.M. and Sh.M.; writing-original draft preparation, M.Kh. and M.S.; writing-review and editing, M.Kh. and M.S.; visualization, M.Kh. and H.Gh.M.; supervision, M.Kh. and M.S.; project administration, M.Kh. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge for all supports by Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Tehran. authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

 

References

Ahmadi, A., Hosseinpour, T., & Soltani, M. (2014). The effect of plant density on yield and its components in three rain fed barley cultivars. Applied Field Crops Research, 27(102), 131-140. (In Persian).
Algieri, A., Andiloro, S., Tamburino, V., & Zema, D. A. (2019). The potential of agricultural residues for energy production in Calabria (Southern Italy). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 104, 1-14.
Algieri, A., & Morrone, P. (2014). Techno-economic analysis of biomass-fired ORC systems for single-family combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Energy Procedia, 45, 1285-1294.
Algieri, A., & Morrone, P. (2012). Comparative energetic analysis of high-temperature subcritical and transcritical Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). A biomass application in the Sibari district. Appl Therm Eng, 36, 236-244.
Aminian, A., Abbaspour Fard, M. H., Aghkhani, M. H., & Edalat, M. H. (2013). Assessment of biomass resources potential in Khorasan Razavi province for bioenergy production. Journal of Environmental Studies, 39(2), 73-82. (In Persian).
Amiri, E., & Rostami Ajirloo, A. (2018). Assessment the effect of deficit irrigation on yield, quality and water productivity of different cultivars of tomato in Moghan plain. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research. 49(2): 261-268. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2022). Agricultural statistics: Crops (2020-21) and horticulture (2021). Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, information and communication Technology center. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2021). Agricultural statistics: Crops (2019-2020) and horticulture (2020). Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, information and communication Technology center. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2020). Agricultural statistics: Crops (2018-19) and horticulture (2019). Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, information and communication Technology center. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2019). Agricultural statistics: Crops (2017-18) and horticulture (2018). Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, information and communication Technology center. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2018). Agricultural statistics: Crops (2016-17) and horticulture (2017). Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, information and communication Technology center. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (2021). Central province statistical yearbook. Markazi province management and planning organization. (In Persian).
Anonymous. (1997). IEA Greenhouse R&D program: greenhouse gases and climate change.
Avcioglu, A. O., Dayioglu, M. A., & Turker, U., (2019). Assessment of the energy potential of agricultural biomass residues in Turkey, Renewable Energy, 138, 610-619.
Banja, M. (2013). Renewable energy progress in EU 27 (2005– 2020). Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy.
Bayat, A. A., Sepehri, A., Ahmadvand, G., & Dorri, H. R. (2010). Effect of water deficit stress on yield and yield components of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes. Iranian Journal of Crop Sciences. 12(1):42- 54. (In Persian).
Belik, I. (2016). Potential of sverdlovsk oblast and yekaterinburg environmental sector.E3S Web of Conferences.
Boghlan Dashti, B. (2004). Economic studies of the construction of a biomass power plant in Shiraz landfill. 19th International Power System Conference, Shiraz, Iran (In Persian).
Fathi, Gh., Enayat Gholizadeh., M. R., & Razaz, M. (2012).  Response of yield and grain yield components of canola different cultivars to heat and planting date. Crop Physiology Journal, 4(13), 21-36. (In Persian).
Forster-Carneiro, T., Berni, M. D., Dorileo, I. L., & Rostagno, M. A. (2013). Biorefinery study of availability of agriculture residues and wastes for integrated biorefineries in Brazil. Resour, Conserv Recycl, 77, 78-88.
Gonzalez-Salazar, M. A., Morini, M., Pinelli, M., Spina, P. R., Venturini, M., Finkenrath, M., & Poganietz, W. R. (2014). Methodology for estimating biomass energy potential and its application to Colombia. Appl Energy, 136, 781-796.
Haj Hassan, A., Wali, F., & Awami, A. )2018(. Investigating the potential of bioenergy production from urban and agricultural waste in Iran, first edition, Niroo Research Institute Publications. 252 pages. (In Persian).
Hedayatipour, A., & Younesi alamouti, M. (2019). The effect of tillage methods on energy consumption and grain yield of irrigated wheat in Arak province. Agricultural Mechanization and Systems Research, 19(71), 17-28. (In Persian).
Jahantigh, M., Aghkhani, M, H., Ebrahimi-Nik, M. A., & Rahimi, M. (2015). Iran's capacity in using plant residues, using gasification technology. The first national conference of new technologies of harvesting and post-harvest agricultural products. Mashhad, Iran. (In Persian).
Kamali, A. A., Sadeghi, M. H., Dashtizadeh, M., Kabirifard, A. M., Sadeghi, S. A., & Khaj, H. (2021). Determination of nutritive value of watermelon plant residues in Bushehr province for livestock feeding. Applied Animal Science Research Journal, 37, 9-16. (In Persian).
Karimi Alavijeh, M., & Yaghmaei, S. (2017). Appropriate agricultural residues in Iran for the second generation biofuel production. Iranian Journal of Energy, 19(4), 205-226. (In Persian).
Komeili, H., Ghodsi, M., Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Nasiri Mahalati, M., & Jalal Kamali, M. R. (2018). Study of soil characteristics, yield and yield components of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under different tillage methods and the rate of crop residues. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 16(3), 541-556. (In Persian).
Majnoun Hosseini, N., Gholami, M. B., Afshoon, E., Jahansooz, M. R., & Rabieian, E. (2022). Effect of irrigation regime and plant density on yield and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences, 15(1), 67-78. (In Persian).
Maleki, A., Heidari, A., Siadat, S. A., Tahmasebi, A., & Fathi, A. (2011). Effect of supplementary irrigation on yield, yield components and protein percentages of chickpea cultivars in Ilam, Iran. Journal of Crop and Weed Ecophysiology, 5(3), 65-78. (In Persian).
Mamani, I. A., Gholami Porshokouhi, M., & Ghahderijani, M. (2018). Possibility of biogas production by the biomass obtained from horticultural wastes (case study: Taleghan region). Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 6(4), 7-15. (In Persian).
Morato, T., Vaezi, M., & Kumar, A. (2019). Assessment of energy production potential from agricultural residues in Bolivia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 102, 14-23.
Mousavi Reineh, S. M., & Sadatinejad, S. J. (2021). Calculation of environmental costs of electricity generation (Case study of thermal power plants in Tehran). Urban Economics and Planning., 1(4), 198-205. (In Persian).
Orsaji, Z., & Tanha Khajeh, M. (2018). Study the effect of growth improver and chemichal fertilizer application on growth and yeild of Solanum tuberosum. Crop Production, 10(4), 173-186. (In Persian).
Ravindranath, N. H., Somashekar, H. I., Nagaraja, M. S., Sudha, P., Sangeetha, G., Bhattacharya, S. C., & Salam Abdul P. (2005). Assessment of sustainable non-plantation biomass resources potential for energy in India. Biomass and Bioenergy, 29 (3). 178-190.
Roberts, J. J., Cassula, A. M., Prado, P. O., Dias, R. A., & Balestieri, J. A. P. (2015). Assessment of dry residual biomass potential for use as alternative energy source in the party of General Pueyrredón, Argentina. Renew Sustain Energy Rev, 41, 568–83.
Saadati, Z., Delbari, M., Panahi, M., & Amiri, E. (2017). Effect of different irrigation managements on vegetative characteristics, yield, and sugar content of Sugar Beet in Lorestan province. Journal of Water Research in Agriculture, 31(2), 151-162. (In Persian).
Sepahvand, M., Khanali, M. (2023). Evaluation the potential of bioenergy production from irrigated cereal residue in Iran. 15th national & 1st International Congress on Mechanics of Biosystem Engineering & Agricultural Mechanization. Karaj, Iran. (In Persian).
Singh, J. (2015). Overview of electric power potential of surplus agricultural biomass from economic, social, environmental and technical perspective - a case study of Punjab. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 42, 286-297.
Tavakoli, A. R. (2013). Effects of sowing date and limited irrigation on yield and yield components of five rainfed wheat varieties in Maragheh region. Journal of Crop Production and Processing, 2(6), 87-97. (In Persian).
Tursi, A. (2019). A review on biomass: importance, chemistry, classification, andconversion. Biofuel Research Journal, 22, 962-979.
Yue, D., You, F., & Snyder, S.W. (2014). Biomass-to-bioenergy and biofuel supply chain optimization: oerview, key issues and challenges. Comput Chem Eng, 66, 36–56.
Iranian Journal of Biosystems Engineering
Volume 55, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 113-128

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 07 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 23 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 November 2024

Share

How to cite

Statistics