Biomass as a Renewable Energy Option in Electricity Generation: “Trakya Region” Case Study

Abstract

The use of renewable energy sources increases in the world because of the rapid depletion of the fossil fuels and the environmental problems caused by the non-renewable energy sources. Biomass energy meets 10% of energy needs of the world. Turkey is one of the developing countries that imports most of its energy. Biomass energy accounts for 9.5% of Turkey’s domestic energy production. In the northwest side of Turkey, which is named Trakya Region, there is a significant potential for biomass energy production due to intensive agricultural and animal husbandry activities. In this study, the energy potential of Trakya Region including Kirklareli, Edirne, and Tekirdag cities has been determined by evaluating animal waste-originated biogas production. According to the results, about 187 thousand tons of available dried animal manure can be collected per year, through which 37.4 million m3 of biogas potential and correspondingly 21 million m3 of methane (CH4) can be obtained.