Energy Exploitation of Agricultural Biomass Potential in Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the agricultural biomass potential in terms of types, quantities, regional distribution in Turkey, and to review and assess efficient technologies for energy exploitation of agricultural biomass potential in Turkey. The calorific values of a selection of agricultural residues were determined by stoichiometric analyses. It was found that the total calorific value of the field crop residues was around 228 PJ for the production period of 2002–2003 in Turkey. The major crops that take place in the ratio of the total calorific value are maize (33.4%), wheat (27.6%), and cotton (18.1%). The total calorific value of the fruit residue was 75 PJ. The major fruits are hazelnut (55.8%) and olive (25.9%) for the agricultural biomass. The total calorific values for cow, sheep, and poultry wastes in Turkey were found to be approximately 47.8, 3.6, and 8.7 PJ/year, respectively. Thus, the total agricultural biomass potential was found to be approximately 363.1 PJ/year for the production period of 2002–2003 in Turkey. The available agricultural and animal residues in Turkey have been estimated to be roughly equal to 22–27% of energy consumption in Turkey. However, the actual role of bio-fuels in energy production is minimal. The most efficient way to utilise bio-fuels in energy production is combined heat and power production. The most potential applications to utilise agro-bio-fuels in energy production in Turkey seem to be relatively small-scale applications. The most interesting size of the plant is below 10–20 MW.