Market Research on Waste Biomass Material for Combined Energy Production in Bulgaria: A Path Toward Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Penka Zlateva, Angel Terziev (), Mariana Murzova, Nevena Mileva and Momchil Vassilev
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Penka Zlateva: Department of Thermal Engineering, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, Bulgaria
Angel Terziev: Faculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Mariana Murzova: Department of Industrial Design, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, Bulgaria
Nevena Mileva: Department of Thermal Engineering, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, Bulgaria
Momchil Vassilev: Faculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-21

Abstract: Using waste biomass as a raw material for the combined production of electricity and heat offers corresponding energy, economic, environmental and resource efficiency benefits. The study examines both the performance of a system for combined energy production based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) utilizing wood biomass and the market interest in its deployment within Bulgaria. Its objective is to propose a technically and economically viable solution for the recovery of waste biomass through the combined production of electricity and heat while simultaneously assessing the readiness of industrial and municipal sectors to adopt such systems. The cogeneration plant incorporates an ORC module enhanced with three additional economizers that capture residual heat from flue gases. Operating on 2 t/h of biomass, the system delivers 1156 kW of electric power and 3660 kW of thermal energy, recovering an additional 2664 kW of heat. The overall energy efficiency reaches 85%, with projected annual revenues exceeding EUR 600,000 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 5800 t/yr. These indicators can be achieved through optimal installation and operation. When operating at a reduced load, however, the specific fuel consumption increases and the overall efficiency of the installation decreases. The marketing survey results indicate that 75% of respondents express interest in adopting such technologies, contingent upon the availability of financial incentives. The strongest demand is observed for systems with capacities up to 1000 kW. However, significant barriers remain, including high initial investment costs and uneven access to raw materials. The findings confirm that the developed system offers a technologically robust, environmentally efficient and market-relevant solution, aligned with the goals of energy independence, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Keywords: biomass cogeneration; energy production; Organic Rankine Cycle; waste raw materials; energy efficiency; market potential; statistical analyses (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: 2025
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