Potential of biomass-to-fuel conversion technologies for power and means of transport

Reduction of CO2 emissions in Poland (excluding transport) should be related to a change in the structure of electricity production sources. Similar actions have been taken by many European countries. In 2017, in the European Union’s power industry, the largest emitters were dominated by coal-fired power plants in Germany (seven power plants). However, the leader of this ranking turned out to be the Belchatów power plant owned by the Polish Energy Group (PGE). Renewable energy is energy obtained from natural processes. It should be obtained in a way that would not cause a deficit of natural resources (renewed in a short time) to have a limited impact on the environment. The purpose of promoting and using renewable energy sources (RES) is to reduce the harmful effects of energy on the natural environment, primarily by limiting greenhouse gas emissions (water vapour, CO2, CH4, CFC, N2O, halon, ozone and industrial gases HFC, PFC, SF6). Biomass is the most widely used renewable energy source currently used. The study of the literature and comparison of the set parameters for different types of biomass in the given order shows that Virginia mallow has the highest usefulness for energy purposes. Considering the fact that both cashew and coconut (shells) cannot be grown due to the climate prevailing in Poland, Virginia mallow seems to be the best alternative for traditional fuels used in the energy sector in the analysed group. Virginia mallow has competitive properties to wood biomass and hard coal only significantly supercedes in terms of calorific value. The energy properties of Virginia mallow can additionally be improved as a result of the torrefaction process. In addition, in the literature on the subject, attention is paid to the fact that mallow may be grown on less-favoured soils and the process of its collection – in contrast to other such plants – does not require the use of specialized agricultural machinery.