Assessment of Reed Potential for Thermal Energy Production in Latvia

Abstract

Global challenges such as increasing population density and climate changes are putting focus on such emerging issues as transition to a green economy and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Starting from 2021, activities in climate protection will be launched by the Paris Agreement, which provides not only for adapting to already occurring climate changes and reducing the expected effects but also promoting investment flows in a low carbon economy. In Latvia, one of the largest greenhouse gas emission sources is heat production from fossil fuel. Although biomass combustion generates about the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuel, this is a friendlier source of energy because when it is restored, the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed. Currently the most commonly used renewable source for the generation of thermal energy is wood. In the present research a theoretical study is conducted to assess the possibility of using another type of biomass – reeds, which is a common resource available throughout the country and recovers quickly. The research results showed that reeds can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to firewood, but its efficient use should take into account the following factors: biomass with low humidity obtainable late in winter, the combustion process has a high ash level and before transporting, it should receive primary treatment to increase the bulk density and reduce transport costs. Reed as a separate fuel material is effective for solid fuel boilers, located close to the resource extraction site. An optimal use of this biomass source is possible in combination with other energy sources to produce pellets or briquettes.