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Bioenergy is one of the most important renewable-energy sources worldwide, accounting for more than two-thirds of the renewable-energy mix. Biomass accounted for 13–14% of the primary energy consumption in 2018, and by 2050, it is expected to account for 50% of the global primary energy consumption. This article studies the biomass potential in Iraq. The potential of this country to be one of the leading producers of bioenergy is discussed, remarking on the importance of agricultural crop waste. Nowadays, Iraq generates a great quantity of biomass every year. Unfortunately, instead of contributing to the energy industry and economic progress, these wastes are burned directly, potentially causing a slew of environmental issues. Based on earlier studies, the theoretical energy potential of Iraq agricultural wastes is assessed. It is concluded that 10 million tons of dry agricultural leftovers can create 115 PJ of energy per year. According to the findings of this study, 10 million heads of cattle in Iraq could generate 72 million m3 of biogas per day, with a total potential power of 946 TJ per year from animal wastes, mainly cattle dung. On the other hand, bioenergy potential is heavily reliant on the geographical distribution, availability, and accessibility of real waste. Wasit, Qadisiyah, and Mosul are the most feasible locations for this agricultural waste potential. This might lead to the development of a long-term economic plan for the successful and sustainable utilization of important accessible waste for bioenergy generation.

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The main objective of this work is the modeling of a combined heat and power (CHP) system that transforms waste from manufacturing date molasses in the Babylon province in central Iraq into electrical and thermal energy. A compact CHP facility that uses date waste (pomace and pits) as a feedstock is the subject of theoretical modeling and simulation research. The planned power plant consists of a downdraft gasifier, a microturbine (MT), and an organic Rankine cycle engine (ORC) as a bottom unit to maximize electric generation by recovering the MT exhaust gas heat and achieving a maximum electric output. The net electric production is 361.68 kW (280 kW from the MT unit and 81.68 kW from the ORC unit). To determine the best‐working fluid for the ORC system as a whole, three working fluids, including isopentane, benzene, and R113, were investigated. The temperature difference between the heat source and the fluid's boiling point is a key factor in choosing a more appropriate ORC working fluid. Isopentane is the most suitable working fluid for CHP applications, according to the findings of the simulation. The electric efficiency achieved is 30%, and the overall efficiency of the CHP plant was 56.87% from the gasification of date pits. The simulation results showed a satisfactory producer gas lower calorific value of 3.92 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pomace and 4.65 MJ k‐g‐1 for date pits, and cold gasification efficiencies of 73% and 76% for pomace and pits, respectively. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.