Valorizzazione energetica di biomasse olivicolo-olearie: il caso della Puglia

This research investigates the potentials of olive tree pruning residues and olive oil pomace recovery for energy conversion purposes in Apulia Region. In the first part, the theoretical potentials assessment is carried out, on the basis of the land use and typologies of olive cultivation and olive oil production. In the second part, the biomass supply costs are analyzed, by means of literature data, markets analyses and interviews with field operators. The different harvesting, handling and transport pathways for olive pruning residues are also explored. In the third part, the non technical barriers towards the energy conversion of such biomasses in Puglia are discussed, while in the last part the techno-economic feasibility assessment of a 1 MWe cogeneration plant with Organic Rankine Technology and fed by olive pruning residues is proposed, in light of the current legislative framework and different plant configuration scenarios.