The use of biomass as an alternative energy source

(citeste in romana)

The use of biomass in energy processes started to be implemented in western European countries in the 1980s, when it became necessary to develop alternatives to burning coal in thermal plants. Due to the 1986 increase in coal prices, the tougher regulations regarding emissions and the increase in associated taxes, the use of coal in plants producing only thermal energy became unfeasible. As a consequence, a series of plants were adapted to burning pellets (fuel resulted from the aggregation and removal of water from wood waste), so that in 1992 approximately 150,000 tones were used in such plants in Denmark only, one of the most advanced European states regarding the use of this type of fuel.
The use of wood waste in thermal plants to cover the needs of communities started in the 1980s and it increased since then, while the use of straw to this end started in 1983.

The market for biomass fuel
Due to an extension in use of biomass under various forms to produce thermal energy, we may say that in the western European countries there is now a market for biomass fuel, where prices are determined by demand and offer. This market is obviously supplemented by local markets, where prices can be regulated, for example according to the quantity of biomass purchased.
The most important factors in biomass trade are the following:
• Standards for this type of fuel;
• The credibility and solvency of suppliers, importers and distributors in this field, as well as that of buyers/consumers;
• The existence of a flexible market and fair exchanges.
The main factors in biomass trade are the transport possibilities and transport-related costs, which determine the limits of the market and its geographical distribution. A good example in this respect is represented by the high quality wood pellets, for which there is a global market, as they can be transported by train, ship or truck. Low quality pellets would deteriorate considerably during transport, so there are only local markets for them (Figure 1. Pellets storehouse).
Regarding straw, a feasible option for long distance transport wasn’t found, so that their use is limited to the area where the packs can be transported by truck.
The raw material for pellets may be represented by waste from the wood exploitation and processing industry, as well as wood waste resulted from various urban activities, such as the maintenance of parks and green areas.

The revaluation of biomass – a profitable business
Experience in western European countries shows that the use of biomass as a primary energy source can become profitable for both producers/suppliers of biomass and consumers. The following advantages can be identified for biomass suppliers:
• A reduction in expenditure for storage spaces necessary for the wood waste resulted in the production process/processes (due to regular delivery to consumers, there is no longer need to store or evacuate it, in the best case to a landfill in the area);
• A reduction in pollution of the environment and implicitly in expenditures for cleaning the surrounding areas. Most of the wood primary processing activities take place close to the source of raw material (raw wood), along water courses. Thus, the waste resulted in the processing is stored along riverbeds and pollute the water;
• Income from sale.
We can mention the following advantages for biomass consumers:
• A reduction in fuel expenditure compared to the use of conventional fuel (oil, natural gas, coal);
• A reduction in expenditures for environmental protection. This is possible due to the fact that CO2 emissions are considered to be null in the use of biomass, unlike in the case of conventional fuel.
Taking into account the fact that thermal plants using biomass depend directly on a continuous and secure fuel supply, closing medium- and long-term supply contracts is mandatory. From the same point of view, the logistics necessary for biomass supply is very important, and establishing buffer storage to take over eventual supply fluctuations for this type of fuel is also one of the important elements that should be taken into consideration when elaborating the business plan. (Figure 3. Pellets storehouse; Figure 4. Sawdust and wood chips storehouse).
The use of biomass is generally the more advantageous as the location of consumption is closer to the source. Opportunities in this field can be identified in Romania, if we think of the fact that there are some areas, such as Moldova, where primary wood processing is one of the main trades, and only a small share of the wood waste is re-utilized in some industries, while most of it is dumped without any control along riverbeds, thus contributing to pollution.

Eng. Marian DOBRIN