Evaluation of the Biomass Energy Production Potential in Agricultural Holdings in Relation to Their Size. Case Study for COP Farms in Romania

Abstract

Biomass energy production is a priority for the global economy in terms of ensuring the premises for sustainable development. The current context, determined by increases in energy costs, involves the identification of applicable and eco-intensive measures by which the use of biomass in productive activities will reduce the level of pollution and, implicitly, global warming. Progress of the bioeconomy is intercorrelated with the dimension of agriculture, which is the major provider of biomass for food, feed, and other bio-based industries. The agricultural sector in the last decades is characterized by an increase in energy production and consumption, with direct consequences on the environment. Biomass is for Romania, a renewable energy source, particularly valuable, both in terms of potential and in terms of future use, through complementarity with the sustainable development programs of the state that aim to develop the capacity of production and the creation of well-being. This research aims to estimate the energy efficiency of three types of COP farms (which cultivate cereals, oilseeds, and protein crops) of different physical sizes, and the analysis of the potential energy generated by energetical cultures, with emphasis on biomass energy. The energy balance at the farm level remains a very important method to determine the efficiency of agricultural systems and for the assessment of potential energy from biomass. With this study, we emphasize the need to support a more sustainable demand for biomass and to make the bioeconomy market more competitive.