Energy potential of biomass characteristic for the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The energy potential problem in the Republic of Moldova has been analyzed in this article. A solution of the above problem has been proposed by utilization of solid biofuels as renewable energy sources, ecological clean and cheap biofuel made from various agricultural and communal wastes and forest residues (unused products derived from the harvesting and processing of crops) which include plant stems, roots, straw, leaves, pruning grape vines, etc. The current status of renewable energy sources use in the Republic of Moldova is characterized in the article. For the absence of proper information about the calorific values of various biomass kinds gained from local sources it is impossible to determine the exact energy potential of biomass. Therefore, relevant experiments on specific heat capacity at different materials were conducted and their values included into this paper. Vegetal raw materials characteristic for the climate zones of the Republic of Moldova were used for the above experiments. The experiments aimed at determination of the calorific value of vegetable raw material were made by using the calorimeter MS-10A LAGET in accordance with the European standard EN 14918. As the result, the main factors affecting the calorific value of any type of vegetable raw material were chosen; they particularly are as follows: chemical composition and moisture content. Available potential of biomass needed to produce solid biofuels was also established as defined by the calorific value of the raw material and its energy potential.