Straw Stocks as a Source of Renewable Energy. A Case Study of a District in Poland

Renata Marks-Bielska, Stanisław Bielski, Anastasija Novikova and Kęstutis Romaneckas
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Renata Marks-Bielska: Department of Economic and Regional Policy, Faculty of Economic Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Stanisław Bielski: Department of Agrotechnology, Agricultural Production Management and Agribusiness, Faculty of Environmental Development and Agriculture, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Anastasija Novikova: Research Institute for Bioeconomy, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
Kęstutis Romaneckas: Institute of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio str. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 17, 1-18

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.

Keywords: straw; agriculture residues; biomass; bioenergy; Poland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (27)

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