Enhancing bioenergy and feed production in Southern Thailand: An approach through Leucaena cultivation and hydrothermal carbonization

Pimpaporn Pengpit, Songyos Chotchutima, Sumate Chaiprapat, Sucheewan Yoyrurob and Boonya Charnnok

Renewable Energy, 2024, vol. 237, issue PB

Abstract: This study addresses sustainability challenges in Southern Thailand, particularly the scarcity of biomass fuel and animal feed. It investigates the integration of Leucaena leucocephala cultivation with hydrothermal carbonization. The research compares the biomass yield and economic feasibility of growing Leucaena as a sole crop versus intercropping it with Para rubber trees. Sole cropping Leucaena produces higher biomass yields and is more economically viable. The wood stem of Leucaena is competitive with other biomass fuels used in local power plants, while its leaves, with over 14 % protein content, meet local animal feed market standards. Additionally, branches, which constitute 15.15 %–30.58 % of the total biomass, are usually left as residue but can be used for hydrochar production. The study examines the effects of temperature (235 °C and 265 °C) and retention time (1, 2, and 3 h) on hydrochar properties. Optimal condition (265 °C for 1 h) produces hydrochar with high heating value and energy yield. Using these branches for hydrochar can significantly boost total revenue, with hydrochar contributing 54.9 % to overall revenue (4522.00 USD/ha). Integrating Leucaena cultivation with hydrothermal carbonization offers a sustainable solution, enhancing revenue, supporting local energy and feed needs, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Energy crop; Leucaena cultivation; Biomass residue; High protein animal feed; Biomass power plant; Hydrothermal carbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:237:y:2024:i:pb:s0960148124017415

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121673

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