Mitigating the Energy Crisis: Utilization of Seed Production Wastes for Energy Production in Continental Croatia

A number of measures to diversify its energy supply sources and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources has been taken by the EU. These include pursuing new energy sources, such as renewable energy and liquefied natural gas; increasing the storage capacities; and investing in interconnectors and other infrastructure. However, these actions require long-term adjustment, while there is a need to find an option to meet the energy needs at a moment. One possible option is to utilize seed production wastes for energy production. This research paper aims to investigate the potential of utilizing seed production wastes (SPWs) for energy production in continental Croatia, and assess its feasibility. Eight different SPWs were used in this research, where their energy characteristics were determined and the theoretical thermal potential was calculated if they are used as raw material in the production of thermal energy through biomass and cogeneration power plants, or in biogas power plants. By using the available feedstock, it is theoretically possible to produce a total of 38,051.10 GJ of thermal energy by direct combustion of SPWs and 34,727.91 GJ by combustion of the produced biomethane. The SPWs of oilseed rape and beans contain the highest specific heat potential per hectare.