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

10.22059/ijbse.2024.381242.665564

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.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 November 2024
  • Receive Date: 07 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 23 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 November 2024