The Potential of Biomass Residues in Turkey and Their Importance as Energy Resources

Abstract

Finding new energy sources is presently on the increase. Researchers are focusing on discovering new economic and renewable energy sources, and they are proving that new kinds of renewable energy resources are becoming more widespread day by day. One of these energy resources is agricultural residue. It includes the biodegradable fraction of products, waste, and residues from agriculture, forestry, and related industries, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste. The main biomass sources in use for energy production range from forest residues, agricultural residues, pulp and paper operation residues, animal waste, and landfill gas to energy crops. The biomass energy in these residues can be converted to various useful kinds of energy such as solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels via many different biomass energy conversion systems. These fuels can then be used to provide heat, electricity, and fuels to power vehicles; using burners, boilers, generators, internal combustion engines, turbines, or fuel cells. Agricultural and forest residues are among Turkey's major potential energy resources. Estimates based on available statistical data and the results of the experimental studies suggest that the annual dry agricultural residue potential is about 360 Tg, which is equivalent to 260 Tg of crude-like fuels. The available agricultural residues can provide 467–623 petajoules/year. This is equal to 22–27% of energy consumption in Turkey. In conclusion, use of this agricultural residue potential can significantly reduce Turkey's need to import oil and other fossil fuels and at the same time increase a secure energy supply. In addition to these, it will improve the local environment; planting energy crops on land not required for food production can generate jobs, improve rural economies, and help maintain agriculture and forestry.