The analysis of the potential for biomass exploitation in the context of bio-economy. Case study: wheat and maize crops

Abstract

The future evolution of the energy sector, the challenges faced by industry, the growth premise, and the role that agriculture plays as a source of energy are key elements of the bio-economy. Biomass production in the vegetal agricultural sector is in line with the concept of sustainable development, reduces carbon dioxide emissions through photosynthetic processes and ensures the development of raw materials and renewable energy resources. This article proposed both an economic analysis of biomass potential, represented by the secondary production obtained in wheat and maize crops, for the period 2008-2017, as well as an estimation of the market value of the secondary production correlated with the potential for capitalizing those two crops. The exploitation of the potential of the secondary production is reflected in the production of bioenergy (thermal, electric) and biofuels, respectively, both for use as animal feed and fertilization of agricultural land, as well as non-polluting biofuels.