Social and economic possibilities for the energy utilization of fitomass in the valley of the river Hernád

• Published in: Renewable energy 2016-01, Vol.85, p.777-789
• Main Authors: Bai, Attila, Durkó, Emília, Tar, Károly, Tóth, József Barnabás, Lázár, István, Kapocska, László, Kircsi, Andrea, Bartók, Blanka, Vass, Róbert, Pénzes, János, Tóth, Tamás
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomass potential; Hungary; Rural development; Society and renewable energies
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.06.069

Hernád Valley is one of the most underdeveloped areas of Hungary in social, infrastructural and economic aspects. At the same time, there are significant reserves regarding the bio-energy sector, energy investments and local raw material production. The biomass potential of the underdeveloped areas is tremendous (125,000 t/year, its energy value 25–28 M EUR/year), but quite difficult to exploit since the implementation of efficient energetic procedures is made very difficult by the indifference or resistance of the local population or the lack of capital (either on the part of the local authorities or the investors) which would be necessary to finance the improvements. During our three-year-long research, we collected the most significant social, economic and fitomass production data of the examined settlements based on statistical resources and our own personal research. Based on the size and location of biomass data, we recommended sample projects which most probably could be operated economically, could produce the highest added value and could retain most of the produced value in the area. Based on a statistically reliable amount of data, we present the awareness and acceptance of the biomass energetic procedures and how much these factors would affect the implementation of the recommended projects. •Hernád Valley is one of Hungary's most underdeveloped areas.•About 125,000 t of biomass is available in the area each year for energy purpose.•The value of the energy products are 25.4–28 M EUR, mostly kept in the area.•Three areas are recommended for the establishment of bio-heating plants.•Lack of information and negative associations are typical for the local population.