Analysis of solid biomass energy potential in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

Energy has an essential role in the socio-economic development of a country, therefore reliable and sustainable energy supply is a prerequisite for its prosperity. Strategies that analyze and predict energy demand in the future emphasize that local, renewable and sustainable energy sources should be in the focus of interest. Autonomous Province (AP) Vojvodina is a northern part of Republic of Serbia and an energy-deficient province. Crop residues represent the most abundant and promising biomass type for sustainable energy production in agricultural regions, including Vojvodina. Biomass is most commonly utilized through combustion for heat generation. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of total solid biomass potential (from agriculture, fruit and vine growing, forestry and wood processing) for energy generation in AP Vojvodina. Although this potential was initially estimated at 6.45 Mt per year, after considering all the influencing factors, it was concluded that only 2.45 Mt could be used for energy purposes. Solid biomass potential is equivalent to around 0.8 Mtoe Per year and is sufficient to substitute completely solid and liquid fossil fuel consumption in Vojvodina, according to final energy balance of AP Vojvodina. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.