Possibilities of using fruit processing residues as a fuel

Abstract

Energy demand in the world and limited sources of fossil fuels impose larger amounts of renewable energies. Agriculture production can be very important factor as a renewable energy producer concerning large amounts of biomass from primary plant production. This potential, if used in a proper way can be very important source of energy. In recent times, besides primary plant production, fruit and plant processing industry has been recognized as potential source of energy regarding residues after processing. In that sense, aim of this paper was to estimate potential of food processing industry for producing biomass that can be used as fuel. As potentially good fruit species kernel and nut fruit species were analyzed. Results show that average annual amount of residues, from fruit industry, in Serbia, can not be neglected. This burning material however, call not be used as primary and only heat source. It must be combined with coal. In the case of good quality coal its daily, amount could be, approximately 30% lower. This is very significant fact considering today's energy consumption ill the region.