The Spanish Biomass Association (AVEBIOM) y the Hellas Research and Technology Centre (CERTH) They are the main authors of the guide «"Solid biofuels of agro-industrial origin"», developed within the framework of the AgroBioHeat project, whose objective is to promote renewable heat solutions with agrobiomass in rural areas of Europe.
May 26th is a day of celebration strategic event to boost agrobiomass and renewable gases in Spain, with the presence of national and regional authorities.
Solid agro-industrial biofuels are obtained from by-products generated when processing agricultural materials in agro-industries, for example, in the production of olive oil and other vegetable oils or in nut processing plants, among others.
Traditionally, some of these biofuels have been used in low-efficiency stoves or boilers, but most of the resource accumulated in the production area without proper treatment or disposal, creating management problems.
According to Pablo Rodero, head of European projects at AVEBIOM, "the The guide highlights the enormous potential of these resources to produce solid agro-industrial biofuels and their role in the European Union's energy transition, which can be key in contributing to achieving the decarbonization targets for 2030 and 2050 in an economically viable way.”.
To achieve this, it is essential to use them in boilers and stoves with suitable and modern technologies, adapted to the peculiarities of the fuel, to avoid operational problems or emissions.
The range of agro-industrial byproducts is broad, as are the characteristics of the solid biofuels derived from them. Some are suitable for residential applications—such as olive pits—while others are better suited for use in industrial boilers. Furthermore, the guide outlines the market development for various byproducts in different countries.
The objective of this guide is to share some of the knowledge and the state of the art in the valorization of these agro-industrial by-products and to facilitate their understanding and learning by relying on data, in the context of countries with more advanced markets and in specific success stories that serve as examples.
The guide has been developed using knowledge gained from previous projects (Biomasud, BIOmasud Plus), the experience of the leading organizations – AVEBIOM and CERTH – and new information obtained and shared through the AgroBioHeat project. Ukrainian Bioenergy Association (UABIO) He has also contributed his extensive experience with sunflower hull by-products available in the markets of Eastern European countries.
The publication is already available in English, Spanish and Ukrainian and, in collaboration with AgroBioHeat's national partners, will soon be available in four other European languages: Croatian, French, Greek and Romanian.
Other AgroBioHeat guides
Furthermore, the AgroBioHeat project has published the 2nd edition of the guide «He use of straw for energy production» and the guide «Remains of corn cultivation for energy production” (the Spanish version of the latter will be available shortly), and is preparing another manual on woody biomass from agriculture (pruning and uprooting of vines, olive trees and fruit trees, as well as the maintenance of vegetation on field margins and alignments).
Event to promote agrobiomass and renewable gases in Spain
He May 26, AVEBIOM is organizing a meeting between agricultural organizations, cooperatives, agro-industries and top-level national and regional policymakers to establish the strategic lines needed to valorize agrobiomass in Spain. MORE INFORMATION and free REGISTRATION until May 20th
They participate in this event Francesc Boyá Alós, Secretary General for Demographic Challenge of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge; José Manuel Jiménez Blázquez, CEO of the Environment Society of Castilla y León and Director General of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability of the Junta de Castilla y León; Victor Marcos Morell, Director of Renewable Energies at IDAE (in video).
It will be held at the Farming Agrícola facilities in Villamartín de Campos, Palencia. Copies of the new guide will be distributed at the event.