Biomass as Renewable Energy in Mediterranean Countries
摘要
Mediterranean countries, like many others, are confronted with an urgent energy crisis stemming from their heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, scarcity of domestic energy supplies, and increasing environmental degradation. In addition to endangering energy security, this dependency fuels growing energy prices, air pollution, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These nations also produce large amounts of organic, forestry, and agricultural waste at the same time—resources that, if underutilized, present significant risks to the environment and public health. The region’s vulnerability is further increased by the persistent problems of climate change, rural poverty, and food-energy rivalry, which is why developing robust and sustainable energy systems is crucial. With the ability to improve energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote rural development, biomass is a viable renewable energy source. This is mainly true in areas with abundant agricultural and forestry resources, like Mediterranean nations. This chapter examines the several functions of biomass in the energy landscape of the Mediterranean. The conversion technologies—combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion—as well as the corresponding energy products—bio-char, syngas, biogas, and bio-oil—are highlighted. The effects on the environment and the economy, as well as the difficulties associated with land usage, cost, logistics, and feedstock fluctuation, are also discussed. Numerous case studies from Mediterranean nations highlight the region’s biomass implementation’s promise as well as its constraints.