Mitigating the Energy Crisis: Utilization of Seed Production Wastes for Energy Production in Continental Croatia

Mislav Kontek, Luka Brezinščak, Vanja Jurišić (), Ivan Brandić, Alan Antonović, Božidar Matin, Karlo Špelić, Tajana Krička and Ana Matin
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Mislav Kontek: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Luka Brezinščak: Experimental Station Šašinovec, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Vanja Jurišić: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Brandić: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Alan Antonović: Institute for Materials Technology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Božidar Matin: Institute for Materials Technology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Karlo Špelić: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tajana Krička: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Matin: Department of Agricultural Technology, Storage, and Transport, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: A number of measures to diversify its energy supply sources and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources has been taken by the EU. These include pursuing new energy sources, such as renewable energy and liquefied natural gas; increasing the storage capacities; and investing in interconnectors and other infrastructure. However, these actions require long-term adjustment, while there is a need to find an option to meet the energy needs at a moment. One possible option is to utilize seed production wastes for energy production. This research paper aims to investigate the potential of utilizing seed production wastes (SPWs) for energy production in continental Croatia, and assess its feasibility. Eight different SPWs were used in this research, where their energy characteristics were determined and the theoretical thermal potential was calculated if they are used as raw material in the production of thermal energy through biomass and cogeneration power plants, or in biogas power plants. By using the available feedstock, it is theoretically possible to produce a total of 38,051.10 GJ of thermal energy by direct combustion of SPWs and 34,727.91 GJ by combustion of the produced biomethane. The SPWs of oilseed rape and beans contain the highest specific heat potential per hectare.

Keywords: energy crisis; seed production wastes; biomass; combustion; biogas production; heating value; cogeneration; theoretical thermal potential (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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