Abstract
Biomass occupies a very important place among renewable energy sources, and the residual biomass recovery chain represents a sector of fundamental importance. Our work focused on the production of pellets by pruning residues from two of the most important woody crops in Italy: hazelnut and olive groves. We found a higher value of bulk density for the hazelnut pellet (581.30 kg m−3 vs. 562.38 kg m−3) and a higher value of length for the olive pellet (16.66 mm vs. 10.47 mm). The percentages of durability were very similar (98%). The low heating value and ash content of hazelnut and olive were 17.21 MJ kg−1 and 3.1%, and 16.83 MJ kg−1 and 2.5%. A higher concentration of Cu, Pb, and Ni was observed in the hazelnut. The contrary was observed for the concentration of Zn. N content was 0.77% and 1.24% for the hazelnut and the olive, respectively. The concentration of S was 0.00% for both. The quality parameters that do not meet current standards could be improved by mixing these materials with different types of wood.
Highlights
The environmental issues linked to climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil energy sources have determined a greater interest in renewable energies
Our work focused on the production of pellets by pruning residues from two of the most important woody crops in Italy: hazelnut and olive groves
We found a higher value of bulk density for the hazelnut pellet (581.30 kg m−3 vs. 562.38 kg m−3) and a higher value of length for the olive pellet (16.66 mm vs. 10.47 mm)
Summary
The environmental issues linked to climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil energy sources have determined a greater interest in renewable energies. Within the latter, biomasses can play a fundamental role [1]. The European Commission has indicated, as part of the 2020 climate/energy package [5], a series of rules aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (compared to 1990 levels), using 20% energy from renewable sources, and improving 20% in energy efficiency. The EU, with the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), risks causing indirect land-use change (ILUC) when agricultural land previously destined for food production is converted to biofuel production. Using residuals as an alternative raw material for bioenergy production is fundamental to support the agro-energy supply chain
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