WOJCIECH ARSKI
UTILIZATION OF BIOMASS FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION IN THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE PROVINCE: EXAMPLES AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Summary
Presented in this work are the estimation results of the energy potential of plant biomass surplus obtained from agricultural production in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province. Use of biomass as a source of energy provides many advantages at the lo-cal level, in terms of environmental protection and at the socio-economic level as it contributes to the creation of new work places. Development of the biomass market is manifested by an increasing number of economic entities dealing with its pro-cessing and producing of energy as well as an increase in the number of related in-vestments, examples of which have been presented in this article.
Keywords: biomass, renewable energy sources, Kujawsko-Pomorskie province 1. Introduction
Nowadays, people’s existence depends largely on electrical energy. At the same time the pro-duction of energy in a conventional manner from fossil fuels is the biggest cause of emissions from pollution and greenhouse gases. During the last several years the leaders of the European Union countries have accepted a wide range of actions to prevent climate changes and greenhouse gas emissions and provide Europe with reliable and sufficient energy supplies. These actions are considered to be the most worldwide reforms of the European energy policy and are aimed at en-suring that the European Union holds the position as the world leader in the field of renewable energy and low-emission technologies. These agreements are supposed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 20% up to 2020, as compared to 1990. The above-mentioned goal that the European Union is going to achieve will be mostly by limiting energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy. The accepted operation plan is supposed to provide better conditions for being less dependent on the import of oil and gas and protect the economy from rising energy prices and the uncertainty of gas supplies.
The ecological commitments of the European Union, apart from the aforementioned 20% re-duction in greenhouse gas emissions for indicative purposes, the so-called “3x20%”, includes limiting energy consumption by 20% as compared to the prognosis for 2020, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) up to 20% of the total energy consumption in the EU, including an increase in renewable energy sources use in transport by 10%. These EU resolutions are reflected in the document prepared by the Ministry of Economy: ‘Energy Policy of Poland until 2030’ which on November 10, 2009 was accepted by the Cabinet. It contains the main objec-tives for the development of renewable energy sources including [12] the growth of clean energy share in its total consumption at least to the level of 15% in 2020 and further growth of this rate during upcoming years.
2. The purpose and scope of work
The purpose of this work is to analyse the sector for processing the biomass into pellet and briquette forms and to show examples of its use in order to obtain energy in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province. Due to that, in this work the result of the estimation of the possibility to ob-tain an amount of raw material for this type of production has been shown. Moreover, information concerning the scale of this type of fuel production by companies located in the province was collected, as well as examples of solutions for the pellet and briquette application for energy pur-poses and plans concerning further investments in technology concerning energy and heat were presented. These issues are part of a scope of the research problem taken by the author concerning the possibility of improving the estimation method for the purposes of the use of the biomass ener-gy market potential and research on the more distant alternatives of using that kind of enerener-gy re-source in the aspect of implementing renewable energy re-sources in Poland as well as in Europe. The testing method is desk research-based and relies on the use of available secondary data such as publications, reports, bulletins, databases, catalogues, and information accessible on websites.
3. Conditions of the development of utilization of biomass for energy production
Presently there is a widespread discussion on the subject of the costs of switching to clean en-ergy sources, which is connected with high investment outlays, expensive mechanisms of RES technologies support systems, and the conflict involved in the fulfilment of food and energy needs versus cultivation of energy-providing plants. The supporters of RES point out that, with the same outlay, it is possible to obtain a similar amount of energy by building either large coal power plants or small local (the so-called scattered) plants which use renewable energy sources. It is especially important for the local population as the latter solution provides work places for the local people. It also enables a reduction of energy losses connected with its transmission over long distances [7, 13]. Thus, a more widespread use of RES can be considered as a factor accelerating sustainable economic and social development with special emphasis on rural areas.
Many authors stress the fact that in the Polish geographical-climatic conditions it is biomass which appears to be the most profitable, and its utilization is predicted to be increasing [4, 10, and 11]. The biomass that comes from the forests and agriculture (farm lands) is a matter of fundamen-tal importance. Despite an optimistic prognosis, the role of energy plants in biomass production is still too small [5]. Biomass is used for energy production purposes in the process of direct combus-tion (wood, straw, energy plants); it can also be reused to produce liquid fuels (e.g. esters of rape oil, alcohol) or gaseous (e.g. agricultural biogas) [9]. According to the data from the Central Statis-tical Office [4] in 2010, in Poland the amount of energy obtained from renewable sources was 253, 153 TJ. The vast majority of the energy came from solid biomass, 85.8%. Energy obtained from liquid biofuels was 7.1%, from water 3.4%, from biogas 1.6%, wind energy 1.5%, heat pumps 0.3% and geothermal 0.2%.
Recently, the domestic market of biomass has been developing rapidly. This is the demand for the burning and co-burning of this raw material that has the biggest influence on the development of large power plants and heat power plants. This kind of biomass utilization makes it possible for our country to meet ecological commitments within the EU agreements and fulfilment of the abovementioned indicative purposes.
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The possibility of using the biomass in the form of briquettes and pellets by households as an alternative for fossil fuels is an important factor affecting the biomass market. Conventional boil-ers burning coal and wood can be used for burning this ecological fuel without any modifications. Rising prices of conventional fuels and an increase in the social awareness of the ecological as-pects of using alternative energy sources affects not only the power plant and heat power plant sectors but also makes the retail market develop rapidly.
4. Amount of energy that can be obtained from biomass with agricultural origins in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province
Determination of the amount of energy possible to be obtained is called the ‘estimation of en-ergy potential’. A commonly used estimation method is the so-called ‘cascade method’, that is, starting with theoretical through technical to economic potential, finishing with the market one. This method is also used in different kinds of elaborates connected with the estimation of energy possible to obtain from different kinds of RES, not only biomass. The abovementioned method has been accepted for elaboration of the expertise: ‘Possibilities of Renewable Energy Sources Use until 2020’, which was prepared on order of the Ministry of Economy by the Institute of Renewa-ble Energy Production’ in cooperation with the Institute for SustainaRenewa-ble Development.
Below, there are general characteristics of the particular levels of the renewable sources ener-gy potential, elaborated on the basis of the literature on the subject. According to them, in terms of practical use of the estimation results, the potential of renewable energy sources can be classified as follows:
• Theoretical potential – amount of energy that can be obtained from biomass on the condition of having 100% appropriately efficient equipment (the process imperfections are not taken in-to consideration), and with the assumption that the in-total available potential is used not only for energy production purposes. The quantity does not have a lot of practical significance as it in-volves the necessity of accounting for a series of restrictions regarding the quantitative and comparative estimation of the available quantities of renewable energy sources [10].
• Technical potential – the part of theoretical potential which can be used, diminished by tech-nical restrictions (efficiency of presently-available devices, sometimes the process own needs, geographical location, energy storage), usually defined on the basis of detailed technical anal-yses [14]. In turn, Winiewski [10], in the expertise elaborated by the Institute of Renewable Energy joins the technical, ecological and spatial restrictions. According to it, the quantity of the technical potential is referred to as the amount of energy that can be obtained from domes-tic resources by means of the best technologies for processing energy from renewable sources into their final media, though, with regard to spatial and environmental limitations.
Although in practice, due to numerous limitations (economic, market-related), it is not possible to fully utilize the technical potential, this quantity is useful for estimations as being relatively stable within a longer period of time and is connected with the current level of a particular renewable energy source’s technological development.
• Economic potential – is referred to as this part of the above-defined technical potential which can be used with regard to economic criteria [11].
• Market potential – this is an optimally used economic potential based on the market’s possi-ble development pace, with the assumption of all support mechanisms’ proper operation, fast
elimination of infrastructural barriers, and compliance with the rules of sustainable develop-ment [11]. Another definition of the market potential has been provided by Gajewski [6]. Ac-cording to him, in the case of a renewable energy resource, such as biomass, the market poten-tial is represented by biomass which is actually available on the market, e.g. exchanges, ware-houses, etc.
As for biomass, each type of this material requires a different method of energy potential es-timation due to differences caused by different physical chemical properties, different availability, and processing technologies. Imperfection of the estimation method involves using simplifications and approximate values of some coefficients.
Below, possible amounts of energy are shown that can be obtained from the territory of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province from several types of biomass, which is the residue of crop produc-tion.
Energy potential, at the theoretical level, was estimated on the basis of input data which was mainly statistical data (structure of crop areas, harvesting). Information connected with processes of the biomass chemical energy conversion through combustion was used for estimation of the technical potential [2.3]. Following Gradziuk [8], the utilization degree of straw for breeding from animal breeding equal to 35% of the available material and a demand for fodder equal to 17% of the total straw harvest in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, was accepted for the estimation of its economic potential. Also, the way the straw was utilized as an organic fertilizer was taken into consideration. The results are presented in Table 1 and in Chart 1 and 2 [more 16].
Table 1. Theoretical and technical potential for different kinds of straw in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province
Cultivations Estimated amount of straw in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Prov-ince [thousand of ton] Energy poten-tial of straw on the theoretical level [PJ] Efficiency of the conver-sion to the warmth = 85%
Other losses asso-ciated with the crop, storing and
transport, S = 90% Energy poten-tial of straw on the technical level [PJ] Wheat 1, 033.8 13.44 85 90 10.28 Rye 300.8 3.91 2.99 Barley 469.9 6.11 4.67 Triticale 641.7 8.34 6.38 Rape and oil-yielding rape 415.7 6.24 4.77 In total 1,969.3 38.75 29.63
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Chart 1. Comparison of the energy potential values of straw in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province Source: arski, W. Szacowanie potencjału energetycznego biomasy rolinnej pochodzenia rolni-czego w województwie kujawsko-pomorskim, Studia i Materiały Polskiego Stowarzysze-nia ZarzdzaStowarzysze-nia Wiedz. 44/2011, p. 139.
Chart 2. Economic potential of straw compared to yearly consumption of electrical energy in households in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province
Source: author’s own research and [16].
The value of the estimated potential is characterized by the amount of energy that can be ob-tained from RES, and it provides a precious source of information for an assessment of energy demand fulfillment in a given area. The estimation results at the theoretical and technical levels indicate a big amount of biomass in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province that can be used for energy production purposes.
It applies mainly to straw surpluses which, in case of development of certain infrastructures, can become a commonly used energy source. However, due to the necessity of applying approxi-mate coefficients, they are of orientation character and provide only a basis for further research aiming to improve the energy potential estimation method of renewable energy sources. The choice of economic criteria to be used for studying the possibilities of using biomass for energy production purposes should be thoroughly analyzed as well as the technical-economic aspects of the biomass production and converting it into useful energy forms.
5. The examples of the biomass use of energy purposes in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province The commonly used way of processing biomass of agricultural origin and wood in the form of silvers or sawdust in comfortable for applying fuel is the process of briquetting and pelleting. It involves compacting, in other words thickening, loose material into regular solid blocks – bri-quettes or smaller granules – pellets. These processes are connected with the great demand for energy and with many technological problems; however, it ends with getting fuel which, unlike raw biomass, is not creating problems with storage, transport and distribution [1, 15].
Recently in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province a few modern companies producing pellets from biomass were opened. The production technology used in these companies allows for the obtainment of large quantities of fuel characterizing the high quality and energy parameters. The way of getting such large quantities of raw material in case of these companies is based on con-tracting and buying straw from local farmers increasing their profit from the field production. The supply of straw requires efficient logistic processes connected with obtaining straw from fields, with its transport and storage. As a result, these companies often buy outside services or provide service of straw collection and transport to other units. Nowadays the frequent phenomenon is plantation of energy plants for a company’s own needs. However, this way of acquiring biomass, in spite of priorer forecasts, which assumed the significant participation of that kind of raw materi-al, has still a minor importance. Produced pellets are being used as fuel in heat power plants, local power plants as well as in single dwellings. A large amount of pellets produced in Poland is ex-ported mainly to Germany, Austria and to the Scandinavian countries, where this type of fuel is widely used.
The best method of burning biomass in the form of pellets and briquettes is called the “dis-tributed model”. This model is based on the use of a biomass suitable high-performance system in which the fuel supply comes from local biomass (pellets and briquettes) producers, who in turn use raw material acquired from farmers in the region. Also beneficial on a local scale is the use of agricultural production residues, e.g. in biogas plants. This local use of biomass resources requires joint planning and cooperation of local authorities, companies and farmers.
There are several communities in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province which use biomass from agricultural areas for energy production (e.g. Pruszcz, Spólno Krajeskie, Grudzidz), but as for the rest of the country it is a relatively rare phenomenon. Biomass combustion and co-combustion in large power plants is still controversial. They concern mainly the combustion of a full-fledged wood and imported biomass.
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Table 2. Pellet and briquettes producers in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province
No. Producer Location Production/
year [Mg] Start year Other 1 Bio Future Sp. z o.o. Lubie
Kujawski (włocławski) 50,000 2011 - 2 BioEko Osnowo Sp. z o.o. Osnowo (chełmiski) 18,000 2011 - 3 Bioenerga Sp. z o.o Dragacz
(wiecki)
30,000 2011 - 4 Grupa PEP –
Bioma-sa Energetyczna Sp. z o.o.
Spólno Krajeskie (spoleski)
20,000 2009 Company has two pellet factories in Poland. It supplies mainly the Dalkia electrical power and heating station. 5 OPEC-BIO Sp.z o.o. Grudzidz
(grudzidzki) - - - 6 PELLET POLSKA Sp. z o.o Mogilno (mogileski)
55,000 2012 It is planned to double its production.
7 Vapo Sp. z o.o. Brzezinki (brodnicki)
10,000 2006 VAPO company has pellet production about 900,000 Mm per year in the 15 factories in Eu-rope.
8 Woodwaste Sp. zo.o. Lubie Kujawski (włocławski)
- - Company has five facto-ries in Poland. Pellet production about 350,000 mg per year.
9 Others: about 30 pellet and briquettes producers eg: 1) Ekonika 2) Alchemik 1) Kamieniec (bydgoski) 2) Ciechrz (mogileski) Total about 50,000
- Smaller factories. Pro-duction on the level about 1,000 mg per year.
Source: author’s own research.
On the other hand, the use in power plants of high-quality fuels such as briquettes and pellets produced from straw surplus contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide and should be encour-aged. An example of the planned investment in the combustion of biomass power plants in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province is installation of a biomass combustion plant in Power Plant EC Bydgoszcz II. Started tender covers the design, construction and installation start-up for 100% biomass combustion in fluidized bed technology. The project is co-financed by the funds from Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment. A similar large biomass investment was planned by EDF in Toru SA (previously Cergia SA). In the initial phase, it assumed combustion of an energy crop from plantation with an area of about 17 thousand hectare. However, it has been temporarily suspended. Biomass installation in Kujawsko-Pomorskie province posted in Figure 1.
Figure 1. The biomass use of energy purposes in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province Source: author’s own research and [11].
6. Summary
Biomass from agricultural sources used as a source of energy is an important renewable ener-gy resource. Its use at the local level leads to the development of the wider bio-economy and is consistent with the objectives of sustainable development. The Kujawsko-Pomorskie province is a region of high agricultural biomass resources, which can be used to produce energy.
The examples presented in the article show the dynamic development of the biomass sector, in particular the development of briquette and pellet production. Briquettes and pellets are the type of fuel which can be widely used, both for individual users in a “distributed model”, as well as in a large power industry.
Further development of the biomass market requires among other things constant improve-ment of technology, efficient supply manageimprove-ment, and more cooperation between the different subjects of the economic life at the local level.
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WYKORZYSTANIE BIOMASY NA CELE ENERGETYCZNE W WOJEWÓDZTWIE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIM: PRZYKŁADY I PERSPEKTYWY ROZWOJU
Streszczenie
W pracy zameszczono wyniki szacownia potencjału energetycznego w woje-wództwie kujawsko-pomorskim nadwyek biomasy rolinnej pozyskiwanej z produkcji rolniczej. Wykorzystanie tego zasobu jako ródła energii wydaje si szczególnie korzystne na poziomie lokalnym,w aspekcie ochrony rodowiska, jak równie ekonomiczno-społecznym, przyczyniajc si do powstawania nowych miejsc pracy. Rozwój rynku biomasy przejawia si w rosncej liczbie podmiotów gospodar-czych zajmujcych si m.in. jej przetarzaniem i wykorzystwaniem w celu produkcji energii. wiadcz o tym rówe plany inwestycyjne, których przykłady zostały zaprze-tnowe w artykule.
Słowa kluczowe: biomasa, energia, OZE, województwo kujawsko-pomorskie
