Production of Solid Biofuels in the Function of Development of Rural Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68050/JAMS.2026.659Keywords:
short rotation coppices, perennial energy grasses, solid biofuels, rural areasAbstract
Production of solid biofuels from renewable energy sources is not often offered as an option for the diversification of rural areas. With the aim of verifying the sustainability of such a solution in our own environment, we analyzed the effects of the possible introduction of energy plantations in the rural areas of the municipality of Kozarska Dubica in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H).
Short rotation coppices (SRC) of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), poplars (Populus spp.) and willows (Salix spp.), together with perennial energy grasses: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), based on the hitherto unused lands of this local community, are able to provide about 35,000 t of standard dry biomass every year, whose energy potentials are estimated at around 165,000 MWh, or 14,000 toe. At the same time, for the heating needs of the town of Kozarska Dubica, covering 2/3 of the residential and business premises, around 25,700 MWh should be provided in one season, which is significantly less than the estimated energy potentials.
By channeling the produced biomass into a district heating plant, the city of Kozarska Dubica would significantly improve the quality of life of its citizens, and create conditions for permanent and secure income for residents of rural areas.
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