Olive Stones as Biofuel
Did you know?
Olive stones as a biofuel are one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels due to their sustainability and efficiency. They are mainly used in biomass boilers and stoves thanks to their high calorific value and low moisture content.
Advantages of olive stones as a biofuel:
- High calorific value: Approximately 4,500-4,800 kcal/kg, comparable to firewood and other biofuels.
- Low moisture content: Less than 15%, which facilitates efficient combustion.
- Low CO₂ emissions: Its combustion is carbon neutral, since the CO₂ released is the same as that absorbed by the olive tree during its growth.
- Less ash and waste: It generates little ash compared to other biofuels such as wood pellets.
- Reduced cost: It is a byproduct of the olive oil industry, which makes it cheaper in producing regions.
Main uses
• Biomass boilers and stoves: It can be used alone or mixed with other biofuels.
• Power generation plants: It is used in cogeneration systems to produce electricity and heat.
• Agri-food industry: Many olive oil mills use it as a source of energy in their processes.
Considerations
• Storage: It must be kept dry to avoid loss of energy efficiency.
• Compatibility: Not all biomass boilers are designed to burn olive pits, so it is important to check the compatibility of the equipment
