Optimal agriculture residues revalorization as a biofuel alternative in electric power grids

Abstract

Abstract In the last years, the increase in energy demand along with depletion in the production of oil wells has driven the search of alternative energy sources. In addition, these sources must be renewable, in order to contribute to the solution of the climate change problem. Therefore, different alternatives have been proposed and evaluated to satisfy global energy demand. Among them, biomass has received higher attention due its availability, which places it as the third energy source, after crude and oil fuels. Particularly, the agricultural residues represent an option to obtain different biofuels, with the possibility to reduce between 78-94% greenhouse emissions by its use. Moreover, the integration of this kind of residues in new supply chains economies contributes to its valorisation, adding an economic benefit to its origin crop. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of using these biofuels, along with their environmental impact. Hence, this work was optimized the supply chain for the production of solid fuels from different agriculture residues along with its integration into the electric power grid; as a case of study, it was considered the agriculture residues generated in Mexico and its electric power grid. Results show that is possible to generate 140,673,599 GJ, and at the same time achieve a reduction of 20% of CO 2 emissions.