Abstract
Biomass is playing an increasingly important role as a source of renewable energy. The aim of this study has been to identify the potential applicability of straw from agricultural crops to generate energy within the district of Braniewo, in the province Warmia and Mazury, Poland. The study covered the years 2015 to 2017. Based on statistical data, and using appropriate equations and norms, the structure of crop production and the number of livestock in the mentioned district were analysed; the potential production volume of straw was estimated, from which the amount needed for animal production (feed and bedding) was deducted, while the organic substance balance in soil was calculated. An annual average amount of straw remaining to be used for energy purposes in the district of Braniewo is about 41,531 t of straw, equivalent to about 60,222 GJ of energy (24,088 t of coal). In addition to the above analyses, a survey was conducted among local farmers, which showed their opinions about barriers to and opportunities for growing crops for energy purposes and using renewable energy resources. The survey results justify the claim that there is certain potential among farmers in the district of Braniewo to grow crops for energy purposes.
Highlights
The growth of an economy of any size needs a constant supply of energy, the demand for which is constantly growing at an increasingly rapid rate
The following straw was included in our analysis: Straw from cereals grown for grain, and straw of oilseed rape
Biomass is a typical local fuel, which should be utilised by local individual energy consumers, and which should be the primary fuel for distributed cogeneration plants producing electric power and thermal energy
Summary
The growth of an economy of any size needs a constant supply of energy, the demand for which is constantly growing at an increasingly rapid rate. Maintaining the country’s energy balance entails sustainable adjustment of the supply, both currently and in the long-term future, to the predicted demand for energy and fuels. One of the priorities in the growth of energy generation in the near future is the development of renewable energy sources (RES). The share of RES in the fuel and energy balance contributes to the improved efficiency of energy consumption, helps to save fossil energy resources, and creates an opportunity to improve the quality of the natural environment, mostly by reducing the emission of pollutants and limiting quantities of waste. The predicted growth in the demand for primary energy in Poland to the year 2030 equals ca. The share of renewable energy in total energy consumption is expected to increase from around 8.8% in 2015 to 12% in 2020 and 12.4% in 2030 [1]
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