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Energy Gain and Carbon Footprint in the Production of Bioelectricity and Wood Pellets in Croatia

Author

Listed:
  • Zdravko Pandur

    (Institute of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Marin Bačić

    (Institute of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Marijan Šušnjar

    (Institute of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Matija Landekić

    (Institute of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Mario Šporčić

    (Institute of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Iva Ištok

    (Institute of Wood Science, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska cesta 23, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

The paper presents the process of electricity and thermal energy production in a cogeneration plant and the process of wood pellet production. The aim of this study was to analyze the energy gain—EROI for energy products that are created as a product contained in electrical and thermal energy and the energy contained in wood pellets. According to the obtained results, the production of only electrical energy from wood biomass in a cogeneration plant was not sustainable from an energy point of view, since the obtained electrical energy was only 1.46 times greater than the input wood energy (EROI el = 1.46), while the obtained energy of the produced wood pellets was 4.82 (EROI pel = 4.82). According to the results of equivalent carbon emission, positive net value was achieved only with cogeneration plant and pellet plant working in synergy. Wood is a renewable source of energy, and its economic use can create a significant energy gain. However, due to the trend of using renewable energy sources and the increasing need for electricity, such a process of obtaining electricity is financially profitable, although it is not justified from the energy profitability and environmental sustainability point of view.

Suggested Citation

  • Zdravko Pandur & Marin Bačić & Marijan Šušnjar & Matija Landekić & Mario Šporčić & Iva Ištok, 2024. "Energy Gain and Carbon Footprint in the Production of Bioelectricity and Wood Pellets in Croatia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3881-:d:1389276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jerry L. Holechek & Hatim M. E. Geli & Mohammed N. Sawalhah & Raul Valdez, 2022. "A Global Assessment: Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels by 2050?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-22, April.
    2. Pelletier, Chloé & Rogaume, Yann & Dieckhoff, Léa & Bardeau, Guillaume & Pons, Marie-Noëlle & Dufour, Anthony, 2019. "Effect of combustion technology and biogenic CO2 impact factor on global warming potential of wood-to-heat chains," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 1381-1388.
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