Energy equivalent potential of olive (Olea europaea L.), which forms a raw material for agricultural biomass energy

Abstract

The sustainability of energy sources has been among the world’s most important issues from past to present. Existing fossil energy sources are limited and cause significant environmental damage. Consequently, interest in renewable energy sources continues to increase. Biomass energy is one of the primary sources used to provide energy sustainably without harming the environment. Biomass is obtained from various sources such as specially cultivated plants, algae, grasses, agricultural residues, forest products, industrial waste, and animal manure.

This study aims to determine the olive biomass energy potentials in Türkiye between the years 2014 and 2023. For this purpose, separate calculations were made for Türkiye in general and for the regions and compared with each other. The average dry biomass energy values were found to be as follows: Aegean Region (5.137,10 TEP; 59,75 MW), Marmara Region (1.881,59 TEP; 21,88 MW), Mediterranean Region (1.666,63 TEP; 19,38 MW), Southeastern Anatolia Region (948,30 TEP; 11,03 MW), Central Anatolia Region (29,05 TEP; 0,34 MW), and Black Sea Region (3,19 TEP; 0,04 MW). It was determined that the Aegean (53.15%), Marmara (19.48%), and Mediterranean (17.23%) regions have a significant share in Türkiye’s average olive-based agricultural biomass energy equivalent of 9.665,86 TEP; 117,42 MW.