QUALITY OF PELLETS FROM OLIVE GROVE RESIDUAL BIOMASS

Abstract

Two of the main environmental problems that man currently

faces are the high rate of waste generation and energy

consumption, both bearing directly upon climate change. The

situation requires a change in waste management models, with a

greater focus on waste reduction, recycling and appraisal, as

well as a change in energy models. This signifies the use of

renewable energy sources to supply part of the future demands

of fossil fuel. Such sources include biomass sources from

agricultural waste. Southern Spain has a large supply of

biomass of a residual nature from agricultural activities, such as

olive pruning. However, the use of pellets made from olive tree

leaves or a mixture of different parts of olive trees is not as yet

widespread. This research shows that the use of different types

of raw materials from olive grove residues results in pellets

with different physical and chemical properties, which define

their possible application. More research is needed to design the

production of pellets, which will have properties suitable for

specific applications and which will possess the quality that

satisfies accepted standards and norms.