INTEGRATED STUDY OF ENERGY CROPS MANAGEMENT AND THEIR RESIDUES, FOR ENERGY AND BIOFUELS PRODUCTION (Hi-Bred fuels Project)

摘要

The project aims at the integrated management of energy crops and their residues, cultivated exclusively in Greece. Within the study four energy crops and remaining solid residues will be examined with regard to their energy production potential as liquid and solid biofuels. In addition, the possibility to directly apply the vegetable oils produced by each species of energy crops as fuel for internal combustion engines is investigated. Any positive results of the analysis will be assessed with respect to the latest biofuel market and commercial interest. For the scope of the project, experiments will be performed using various energy crops hybrids, including thermochemical treatment (pyrolysis and gasification) of their solid residues for energy production purposes and diesel engine application. Main target of the research activity is to increase the contribution of energy crops in the country’s economy, promote biofuels production in Greece, enhance energy crops productivity, limit cultivation costs, add high added value not only to these crops but also to their zero cost solid residues, and optimize their quality. These actions can help expanding biomass and biofuels market frontiers domestically and abroad.