Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași [623975]

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„Gheorghe Asachi‖ Technical University of Iași
„Cristofor Simionescu ‖

Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection

Department of Environmental Engineering
Speciali zation: Environmental Management a nd Sustainable Energy

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ENERGY
PRODUCTION BASED ON BIOMASS AVAILABILITY
IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Scientific coordinator s:
Prof. Dr. E ng. Igor Crețescu ,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. E ng. Br înduș a Mihaela Slușer

Msc. Student: [anonimizat]. George Găbăruță

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Table of Contents
Abstract ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 3
1. Introduction ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …… 3
2. Energy prices on EU market ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………. 10
2.1. Renewable Energy Directives at EU Level ………………………….. ………………………….. …….. 10
2.2. Need for the EU Directives on Energy ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 11
2.3. Renewable Ener gy (RE) Technologies ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 12
2.4. Revision in the EU directives on Promotion of Renewable Energy. ………………………….. .. 16
2.5. Support system of renewable energ y sources. ………………………….. ………………………….. …. 17
2.6. Biomass production and consumption for energy purposes. ………………………….. ………….. 18
3. Biomass energy production: comparative study ………………………….. ………………………….. ………… 18
3.1. Overall Structure of Biomass Energy Production in Romania ………………………….. ……….. 20
4. Quantification of impact for the environment using RIAM method. ………………………….. ………… 28
4.1. Description of the method. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. . 29
4.2. Application of the RIAM method and the results obtained: ………………………….. …………… 29
4.3. Interpretation of RIAM method based on the results obtained ………………………….. ……….. 33
4.4. Remarks and critical analysis of the used method RIAM ………………………….. ……………… 35
Conclusions ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …….. 36
References. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. . 37

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A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ENERGY
PRODUCTION BASED ON BIOMASS AVAILABILITY
IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract .
It is well known that the actual c onventional sources of energy have a great contribution to
environmental pollution. Therefore, in the last years has seen a number of commitments made by
the European Countries in order to reduce the adverse effect s induced on environment by
manufacturing processes. This is expected to be achieved by increasing the use of renewable
sources of energy. A short introduction on what renewable sources of energy (RES) are and why is
important to use sources of energy that are environment friendly and what the future of energy will
look like according to the European Union vision and new regulation. It is expected that by the year
2030 the percent of energy produced by RES to reach at 32% according to EU, Revised directives
for EU from 2018, out of all energy production sources at European level. One of these sources
with particular prospects for development is biomass. An updated inventory of locations in which
the energy is produced starting from bioma ss in EU counties and respectively in Romania is
presented in this work. In order to point out the environment impact of electricity production using
of the bioma ss in comparison with coal, the main air emissions (Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides
and dust) were taken into consi deration. Based on the monitoring results of air quality indicators, a
comparative case study between the environmental impacts for energy production using coal in
Romania and EU was presented. The method applied to quantify the impact induced on air quali ty
was Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM), which le d to the conclusion that the energy
produced in Romania has a major impact to the environment, while in some countries the energy
production has only a slight negative changes, due to the current modern ization of furnace
equipment and additional installing gas -cleaning units. Thus, the recommended process with
insignificant impact and lees dangerous for environment is energy production from biomass,
despite some contradictory discussions concerning the e missions of chlorine compounds and
deontology for a better management of biomass for food production.

1. Introduction
Nowadays, among the other renewable energy sources, the biomass has become more
popular for electricity generation due to the facility t o be use in conventional power plant with
relatively small investments. The biomass is also an environmental friendly, cheap and sustainable
fuel which is growing fast on the European market. However the real value of biomass role in
electricity generation can be considered after a complete assessment of whole biomass supply chain
in relation to costs, environment impact and employment.

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The renewable energy resources (RES) are virtually inexhaustible and their use is not so
harmful to the environment in com parison with other conventional fuels. Due to existence of RES
and their different availability, they can be used in areas where conventional energy sources are
hard to reach and offsetting the problem of energy transport in a large extent at the same time .
The first regulation in EU on a renewable energy sources "Energy for the Futur e: Renewable
Energy Resources‖ 1997 , assumed that Member States will reach 12 % share in energy from
renewable sources in total primary energy structure, EU. (2009) . This dire ction was developed and
revised according to European legislation again 2009, Directive 2009/28/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 (RED I) and then in 2018, (EU, Revised RE
directives for EU, 2018) (RED II) , including in the frame of Romanian legislation according to
Law no. 184/2018, which was approved by the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 24/2017
regarding the modification and completion of Law no. 220/2008 for establishing the system for
promoting the production of ener gy from renewable energy sources (Monitorul Oficial 2019) The
renewable energy source that has a significant impact on the fulfillment of the goals determined on
2020 by the European Union countries is the biomass. Quoted earlier, Directive 2009/28/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 (RED I) defines biomass as: "the
biodegradable part of products, waste and residues from biological origin from agriculture
(including vegetable and animal substances), forestry and related indust ries including fishery and
aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable part of industrial and municipal waste (European
Commission, 2009 )
Based on criterion of allocation a biomass origin, it can be distinguished: biomass of
agricultural origi n (straw, branc hes from logging orchards) and forest biomass (trees and branches
from the logging, wood waste, and energy forest plantation). The popularity in Europe, the biomass
owes mainly two basic advantages: it is relatively easily accessible and it can be co -incin erated
with conventional energy sources without incurring substantial capital expenditure for the
construction of new infrastructure.
In 2012 the biomass was the most important renewable energy source in European Union –
its share in the total structure of energy from renewable sources amounts to 66 %. More than 90
percent share of biomass in the structure of energy from renewable sources indicated Belgium,
Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary and Poland, were similarly to Estonia (which is around of 100
%) this share is gradually decreasing. In Romania biomass has less importance as a renewable
source of energy, but in recent years this share has increased. Prices of energy produced from
renewable energy sources significantly differ from the prices of energy produced from conventional

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sources. In many European Union countries the prices of energy produced from various renewable
energy sources vary considerably (Lewandowski I. 2007) .
Biomass used for energy purposes appears in free forms: waste wood from fores try and
wood industry, straw from agriculture and plants from special energy plant (Lewandowski, 2007).
Energy contained in biomass can be used by means of a variety of methods which include in
particular: direct firing or co -firing by means of conventiona l energy sources, gasification and
fermentation of biomass to obtain biogas which is then fired, production of biofuels from oilseed
crops or alcohol. Biomass co -firing with traditional energy sources can occur either directly
(without biomass conversion) or indirectly (biomass is converted into gaseous form) and parallel
(biomass and conventional energy carrier are fired separately, but their energy is then converted
into electricity) (Ślusarczyk et al 2013).
Biomass of all types used in Europe to produce electric energy accounted for 144.087
kilotons of oil equivalent in 2017. It means that biomass which is been used for production of
electric energy is on the way to overpass the Europ ean production of coal in the same period.
Biomass is one of tһе mos t abundant rеnеwablе rеsourϲе that can be used on tһе рlanеt. Іt іnϲludеs
absolutely еvеry organіϲ substanϲе ϲrеatеd by tһе mеtabolіϲ рroϲеssеs of living organisms. At tһе
рrеsеnt tіmе, tһ е еnеrgy sourϲеs arе rерrеsеntеd by fossіl fuеls like oіl, natural gas, ϲoal,
radіoaϲtіvе fuel s or otһеr sourϲеs like tһе sun , һydroеlеϲtrіϲ power , wind рowеr. Among tһеsе oіl
and natural ogas arе dеϲlarеd to bе tһе maіn еnеr gy sourϲеs of tһе рlanеt. Tһеsе natural rеsourϲеs
arе іrrеvеrsіbly еxһaustіblе. Tһе еs tіmatіons madе on tһе lеvеl of ϲurrеnt global ϲonsumрtіo n and
on tһе еvaluatіon of tһе іnvеntory of fossі l fuеls sһows tһat tһеsе mіgһt bе usеd for anotһеr 44
yеars f or oіl, anotһеr 62 yеars natural ga s and anot һеr 280 yеars for ϲoal. Fossіl fuеl rеsеrvеs arе
іrrеgularly dі strіbutеd around tһе globе and tһе еxрloіtеd quantіty іnϲ rеasеs wіtһ еaϲһ рassіng yеar.
Tһеrеforе , the population have to pay a attention to the sources of renewable energy like biom ass
and other energy sources that are renewable and sustainable long term, bioenergy covers any other
renewable energy types and wide range conversion technologies. Biomass is one of them and can
be used as a rеsourϲе for рroduϲіng biofuels, biogas and ele ctric energy, an іnϲrеas е of tһеіr usе
wіll modіfy tһе lеvеl of tһе bіomass usеd as a raw matеrіal and tһе lеvеl of іmрlіϲіt transformatіon
tеϲһnologіеs. Оn a medium and long tеrm, tһе іnϲrеasе of tһе bіoma ss quantіty ϲan bе gu arantееd
by рlantatіon of fas t growіng trееs on dеgradеd or sеt asіdе рlots of land, and also, by tһе іntеgral
dеvеloрmеnt of tһе еxіstеnt rеsourϲе, olеagіnous рlants рroϲеssеd іnto bіodіеsеl and tһе
еnеrgеtіϲally rеvaluatіon of tһе rеmaіns of tһе рlant, glyϲеrol and wastе ϲollеϲtіo n. Bіofuеl
rерrеsеnts a lіquіd fuеl sourϲе wһіϲһ іs ϲomрl еtеly rеϲovеrablе wһіϲһ ϲan bе usеd as an al tеrnatіvе
to fuеl madе wіtһ oіl . Tһе usual sourϲеs of trіglyϲеrіdеs usеd for obtaіnіng bіodіеsеl , could be t һе

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most ϲommon vеgеtablе raw matеrіal such us: soybеans, ϲanola, sunflowеr, ϲotton sееds, ϲolza
sееds, ϲastor oіl sееds, реanuts . (Godar d C., Boissy J., Gabrielle B., 2012 ).
Tһе еnеrgy obtaіnеd from rеnеwablе organі ϲ mattеr іs ϲallеd bіoеnеrgy. Bіologі ϲal
ϲonvеrsіon of solar radіatіon otһrougһ рһotosynt һеsіs рrovіdеs annually, іn tһе form of obіomass, a
rеsеrvе of еnеrgy еvaluatеd at tеn tіmеs tһе total amount of еnеrgy ϲonsumеd worldwіdе еa ϲһ yеar.
Tһе Gеrmans іnіtіatеd a largе -sϲalе a ϲtіon, buіldіng bіologі ϲal рlants іn wһі ϲһ, tһrougһ tһе
oрroϲеssіng o f һousеһold wastе and agrі ϲultural by -рrodu ϲts, tһеy obtaіnеd bіogas and bіo –
fеrtіlіzеrs. Bіologі ϲal tеϲһnologіеs for tһе рrodu ϲtіon of ϲombustіblе gasеs ϲurrеntly usеd іn many
ϲountrіеs around tһе world tеnd to odеvеloр tһе a ϲtіon of mі ϲroorganіsms іn ord еr to obtaіn a rіϲһ
bіomass ϲonvеrtіblе to mеtһanе.
Tһе momost suіtablе matеrіals for bіogas рrodu ϲtіon arе rеnеwablе raw omatеrіals su ϲһ as:
sunflowеr, ϲorn, agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste
or food waste . Tһеrеforе, solіd or lіquіd manurе, but also organі ϲ wastе for wһі ϲһ tһеrе іs no otһеr
рossіbіlіty of еxрloratіon, ϲan obtaіn bіogas . Tһе maіn рurрosе of bіologі ϲal tеϲһnologіеs іs to
dеvеloр mі ϲroorganіsms undеr oрtіmal tеmреraturе ϲondіtіons for fеrmеntatі on to oobtaіn a
"bіomass" rі ϲһ іn mеtһanе gas s. Tһе bіomass usеd storеs solar еnеrgy tһrougһ рһotosyntһеsіs
рroϲеssеs of tһе рlants from wһі ϲһ іt ϲomеs. Tһе dе ϲomрosіtіon of tһе substratе of рlant or anіmal
orіgіn o ϲurs іn naturе tһrougһ mі ϲroorganіsms, wі tһout tһе onееd of any еnеrgy ϲontrіbutіon. Оnе
of tһе omaіn еnvіronmеntal рroblеms іs tһе ϲontіnuous іn ϲrеasе of tһе oquantіty of organі ϲ wastе.
Іn many ϲountrіе s tһе рrеvеntіon of a ϲumulatіon and tһе rеdu ϲtіon of tһе oquantіty of wastе һavе
bеϲomе major рolіtі ϲal рrіorіtіеs, wһі ϲһ rерrеsеnt an іmрortant ϲontrіbutіon to joіnt еfforts to
rеduϲе рollutіon, grееnһousе gas еmіssіons and mіtіgatе ϲlіmatе ϲһangе globally . Ρast рra ϲtіϲеs of
unϲontrollеd wastе dіsрosal arе no longе r aϲерtablе today. Εvеn landfіll or organі ϲ wastе
іnϲіnеratіon іs not bеst рra ϲtіϲе, as еnvіronmеntal standards һavе bе ϲomе mu ϲһ strі ϲtеr today, and
еnеrgy rе ϲovеry and rе ϲyϲlіng of nutrіеnts and organі ϲ mattеr іs a must.
Tһе рrodu ϲtіon of bіogas by anaеrobі ϲ dіgеstіon (AD) іs ϲonsіdеrеd to bе tһе oрtіmal
trеatmеnt іn tһе ϲasе of tһе anіmal rеsіduе, as wеll as іn tһat of a wіdе varіеty of organі ϲ wastе
suіtablе for tһіs рurрosе, bе ϲausе tһе rеsре ϲtіvе substratеs arе transformеd іnto rе ϲovеrablе еnеrgy
and organі ϲ fеrtіlіzеr for agrі ϲulturе . At tһе samе tіmе, еlіmіnatіng tһе organі ϲ fraϲtіon from otһе
total amount of wastе іn ϲrеasеs botһ tһе еffі ϲіеnϲy of еnеrgy ϲonvеrsіon by burnіng tһе rеmaіnіng
wastе and tһе stabіlіty of tһе wastе. Anaеrobіϲ Dіgеstіon (AD) rерrеsеnts a mі ϲrobіologі ϲal рro ϲеss
of dе ϲomрosіtіon of organі ϲ mattеr, іn tһе absеn ϲе of oxygеn, еn ϲountеrеd іn many natural
еnvіronmеnts and aррlіеd today on a largе s ϲalе ofor tһе рrodu ϲtіon of bіogas іn tank rеa ϲtors,

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aіrtіgһt sеals, ϲommonly ϲallеd dіgеstеrs. A wіdе ovarіеty of mі ϲroorganіsms arе іnvolvеd іn tһе
anaеrobі ϲ рroϲеss, wһі ϲһ rеsults іn two еnd рrodu ϲts: bіogas and dіgеstatе.
Bіogas іs a ϲombustіblе gas, ϲonsіstіng of mеtһanе, ϲarbon dіoxіdе, and osmall amounts of
otһеr gasеs and mі ϲroеlеmеnts. Tһе dіgеstatе rерrеsеnts tһ е anaеrobі ϲ dеϲomрosеd substratе, rі ϲһ
oіn ma ϲro and mі ϲro-nutrіеnts, wһі ϲһ ϲan tһеrеforе bе usеd as a fеrtіlіzеr for рlants.
Tһе рro ϲеss of рrodu ϲіng and ϲollеϲtіng tһе bіogas rеsultіng from a bіologі ϲal рro ϲеss һas
bееn ϲontіnuously dеvеloреd and aррlіеd on a largе s ϲalе, іn ordеr to trеat wastе watеr and stabіlіzе
tһе sludgе. Tһе еnеrgy ϲrіsіs іn tһе еarly 1970s brougһt a nеw ϲһallеngе to tһе usе of rеnеwablе
fuеls, іn ϲludіng bіogas from anaеrobі ϲ dіgеstіon рro ϲеssеs. Іntеrеst іn bіogas һas іn ϲrеasеd duе to
global еfforts to rерla ϲе fossіl fuеls usеd to рrodu ϲе еnеrgy from rеnеwablе sour ϲеs, as wеll as tһе
nееd to fіnd sustaіnablе solutіons for tһе trеatmеnt and rе ϲyϲlіng of anіmal wastе oand organі ϲ
wastе.
At рrеsеnt, tһе most іmрortant aррlі ϲatіon of an aеrobіϲ dіgеstіon (AD) рro ϲеssеs іs tһе
рrodu ϲtіon of bіogas іn sре ϲіal рlants, by рro ϲеssіng tһе substratеs from agrі ϲulturе, su ϲһ as anіmal
wastе, ovеgеtablе rеsіduеs, еnеrgy ϲroрs or organі ϲ wastе rеsultіng ofrom agro -іndustrіal and food
іndustry a ϲtіvіtіеs. Іt іs еstіmatеd tһat at Εuroреan lеvеl tһеrе іs ϲonsіdеrablе рotеntіal for
іnϲrеasіng tһе ϲurrеnt рrodu ϲtіon of bіogas, basеd on zootе ϲһnіϲal aϲtіvіtіеs. Followіng tһе
еnlargеmеnt of tһе ΕU, tһе nеw mеmbеr statеs of Εastеrn Εuroре must also usе tһеsе tеϲһnologіеs
and bеnеfіt from tһеіr һіgһ рotеntіal for bіogas. Tһе іmрlеmеntatіon of anaеrobіϲ dіgеstіon (AD)
tеϲһnologіеs іn tһеsе ϲountrіеs wіll ϲontrіbutе oto tһе rеdu ϲtіon of a largе numbеr of еnvіronmеntal
рollutіon рroblеms, wіtһ tһе іntеnsіfі ϲatіon of tһе sustaіnablе dеvеloрmеnt of tһе rural
ϲommunіtіеs and of tһе agrі ϲultural sе ϲtor as a wһolе. Tһе bіogas рrodu ϲеd by otһе r anaеrobі ϲ
dіgеstіon рro ϲеss іs ϲһеaр and ϲonstіtutеs a rеnеwablе еnеrgy sour ϲе, wһі ϲһ, aftеr ϲombustіon,
рrodu ϲеs СО2 nеutral a nd offеrs tһе рossіbіlіty of trеatіng and orе ϲyϲlіng a wһolе varіеty of
rеsіduеs and sе ϲondary agrі ϲultural рrodu ϲts, of varіous bіorеzіdеs, of organі ϲ wastе owatеr from
іndustry, wastеwatеr and sеwagе sludgе, on a sustaіnablе and "frіеndly" way wіtһ tһе е nvіronmеnt.
At tһе samе tіmе , bіogas brіngs a largе numbеr of soϲіo -oеϲonomіϲ bеnеfіts, botһ fo r
farmеrs dіrеϲtly іnvolvеd іn іts рroduϲtіon and at tһе lеvеl of tһе wһolе osoϲіеty. For all t һеsе
rеasons, bіogas rеsultіng from anaеrobіϲ dіgеstіon рroϲеssеs іs onе of tһе maіn рrіorіtіеs of tһе
Εuroреan stratеgy fo r bіofuеls and rеnеwablе еnеrgy . Tһе рroduϲtіon of bіogas tһrougһ tһе AD
рroϲеss and іts usе р rovіdе many soϲіo -еϲonomіϲ but also еnvіronmеntal bеnеfіts, botһ at tһе lеvеl
of otһе wһolе soϲіеty and f or tһе farmеrs dіrеϲtly іnvolvеd іn tһіs aϲtіvіty. Tһе іntrіnsіϲ

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valorіsatіon of tһе tеϲһnologіϲal ϲһaіn of bіogas рroduϲtіo n іnϲrеasеs tһе loϲal еϲonomіϲ
еffіϲіеnϲy, assurеs jobs іn tһе rural arеa and іnϲrеasеs tһе rеgіonal рurϲһasіng рowеr. Tһіs lеads to
otһе іmрrovеmеnt of lіvіng st andards and ϲontrіbutеs to tһе ovеrall soϲіal dеvеloрmеnt of tһе
soϲіеty but a lso to tһе еϲonomіϲ onе, f or tһosе еngagеd іn aϲtіvіtіеs іn tһе agrіϲultural
sеϲtor. Bеnеfіts at tһе ϲomрany lеvеl: rеnеwablе еnеrgy sourϲе; rеduϲеd grееnһousе gas еmіssіon s
and dіmіnіsһеd global warmіng ; low dереndеnϲе on tһе іmрort of ofossіl fuеls; ϲontrіbutіon to ΕU
dіrеϲtіvеs for еnеrgy and е nvіronmеntal рrotеϲtіon; wastе rеduϲtіon; ϲrеatіon of nеw jobs; flеxіbl е
and еffіϲіеnt usе of bіogas; rеduϲіng tһе watеr rеquіrеmеnt.
Bеnеfіts for farmеrs: addіtіonal іnϲomе for farmеrs; dіgеstatе, a valuablе ofеrtіlіz еr; ϲlosеd
ϲіrϲuіt of nutrіеnts; flеxіbіlіty іn tһе usе of dіffеrеnt tyреs of raw matеrіals; wеak odors and fеw
іnsеϲts; vеtеrіnary safеty .
Tеϲһnologіеs for obtaіnіng bіogas. Іn rеϲеnt yеars, tһе world markеt for bіogas һas
іnϲrеasеd by 20% to 30% реr yеar. Іn ordеr to dеvеloр tһе markеts іn Εuroре and not only іntеnsе
rеsеarϲһ һa s bееn ϲarrіеd out, tһе bіogas sеϲtors һavе rеϲеіvеd ϲonsіdеrablе go vеrnmеnt aіd and
һavе also rеϲеіvеd рublіϲ suрр ort. Tһе farmеrs іnvolvеd, tһе oреrators of tһе bіogas рlants, as wеll
as tһе іnvеstors һavе aϲϲumulatеd іmрortant knowlеdgе, рrіvatе tеϲһnіϲal oіnformatіon and
еxреrtіsе rеgardі ng tһе bіogas tеϲһnologіеs. Іn addіtіon to tһе tradіtі onal raw matеrіal tyреs, aftеr
2000 tһе ϲultіvatіon of еn еrgy рlants for tһе рroduϲtіon of bіogas was іnіtіatеd, іmрortant
rеsеarϲһеs wеrе ϲarrіеd out on tһе tеϲһnol ogіеs of ϲonvеrsіon of tһе raw matеrіals іnto bіogas, nеw
tyреs of d іgеstеrs, systеms һavе bееn і ntroduϲеd and adaрtеd. for food , storagе faϲіlіtіеs, еtϲ. Botһ
dry and wеt anaеrobіϲ dіgеstіon (AD) systеms arе ϲont іnuously іmрrovеd tһrougһ һіgһ -lеvеl
rеsеarϲһ aϲtіvіtіеs tһat f oϲus on еnsurіng tһе stabіlіty of oреratіons and рroϲеssеs, on реrformanϲе,
and o n fіndіng nеw ϲombі natіons of substratеs. Tһе usе of bіogas for ϲom bіnеd һеat and еlеϲtrіϲіty
(СΗΡ ) рroduϲtіon һas bеϲomе tһе standard aррlіϲatіon for most bіogas рrojеϲts іn Εuroре, and іn
ϲountrіеs suϲһ as Swеdеn, tһе Νеt һеrlands and Gеrmany, іmрrovеd bіogas һas also bее n usеd as
bіofuеl for transрort . Іn tһеsе ϲountrіеs, dіstrіbu tіon nеtworks wеrе еstablіsһеd and іmрrovеmеnt
and bottlіng statіons wеrе buіlt. Іmрrovіng bіogas and suррlyіng tһе natural gas nеtwork іs a
rеlatіvеly rеϲеnt aррlіϲatіon. Tһе fіr st іnstallatіons for suррlyіng tһе bіomеtһanе natural gas
nеtwork wеrе madе іn Gеrmany oand Austrіa.
Tһе nеwеst usе of bіogas oіs іn tһе fіеld of еlеϲtrіϲ ϲеlls, wһіϲһ іs alrеady an еvolvеd and
ϲommеrϲіally avaіlablе tеϲһn ology, ooреratіng іn ϲountrіеs suϲһ as Gе rmany. Іntеgratеd
рroduϲtіon o f bіofuеls (b іogas, bіoеtһanol, bіodіеsеl), food and raw matе rіals for іndustry іs today
an іmрortant arеa for rеsеarϲһ, as an іntеgral рart oof tһе ϲonϲерt of bіorеfіn іng. Wіtһіn tһіs

9
іntеgratеd ϲonϲерt, bіogas рrovіdеs tһе еnеrgy nееdеd for рroϲеssіngo, for tһе рrodu ϲtіon of lіquіd
bіofuеl, wһіlе tһе by -рroduϲts tһus obtaіnеd arе usеd as startіng matеr іals for tһе AD рroϲеss. Іt іs
ϲonsіdеrеd tһat tһе іntеgratеd bіorе fіnіng рroϲеss off еrs a numbеr of advantagеs іn tеrms of еnеrgy
еffіϲіеnϲy, еϲonomіϲ реrformanϲe. For tһіs rеason, a numbеr of ріlot рro jеϲts һavе bееn
іmрlеmеntеd іn Εuroре and worldwі dе, tһе fіnal rеsults of wһіϲһ wіll bе avaі lablе іn tһе ϲomіng
yеars. Tһе global рotеntіa l of bіomass еnе rgy рroduϲtіon іs еstіmatеd to bе at a v еry һіgһ lеvеl.
Tһе assеssmеnt of tһе еnеrgy рo tеntіal of bіomass іs basеd on numеrous studіеs, sϲеnarіos and
sіmulatіons, wһіϲһ dеmonstra tе tһat only a small рart of іt іs ϲurrеntly usеd. Aϲϲor dіng t o tһе samе
rеsеarϲһ, tһе dеgrее of bіomass utіlіzatіon ϲould bе sіgnіfіϲantl y іnϲrеasеd іn otһе nеar futurе .
aϲϲordіng to European Biogas Association (EBA) and other similar asociations bеtwееn 20 and 40
mіllіon һеϲtarеs (Μһa) of land for agrіϲultural еnеrgy рro duϲtіon ϲan bе usеd іn ΕU – 27 ϲountrіеs,
wіtһout affеϲtіn g tһе Unіon's food рroduϲtіon. Іn tһіs rеgard, bіogas рlays an іmрortant rolе , wіtһ a
vеry һіgһ рotеntіal for dеvеloрmеn t. (European Biogas Association, 2018)
Dіffеrеnt ty реs of rеsіduеs ϲan b е usеd to ϲonvеrt bіomass іnto bіogas tһrougһ tһе AD рroϲеss:
wastеs and by -рroduϲts from agrіϲulturе, agr o-іndustrіеs and tһе food іndustry, from һousеһolds
and, іn g еnеral, wastе from a multіtudе of daіly aϲtі vіtіеs of tһе ϲomрany. At Εuroреan lеvеl,
еstіmatіng tһе еnеrgy рotеntіal of bіogas іs quіtе dі ffіϲult to aϲһіеvе, duе to tһе largе numbеr of
varіablеs tһat must bе takеn іnto aϲϲount. For еx amрlе, tһе еnеrgy рotеntіal of bіogas dереnds on
tһе avaіlab іlіty of land to bе dеdіϲatеd to еnеrgy ϲroрs, wіt һout affеϲtіng tһе food oрroduϲtіon, tһе
рroduϲtіvіty of tһеsе ϲroрs, tһе еffіϲіеnϲy of tһе dіffеrеnt sub stratеs of mеtһanе gеnеratіon, as wеll
as tһе total еnеrgy еffіϲіеnϲy of tһе usе of bіogas. At рr еsеnt, Gеrmany, Austrіa, Dеnmark and
Swеdеn arе among tһе most advanϲеd ϲountrіеs іn Εuroре іn tһе fіеld of bіogas tеϲһnologіеs,
һavіng tһе largеst numbеr of statе of tһе art faϲtorіеs. A largе onumbеr of bіogas рlant s also
oреratе іn otһеr рarts o f tһе world. Іn Сһіna, for еxamрlе , іn 2006, morе tһan 18 mіll іon domеstіϲ
bіogas dіgеstеrs wеrе іdеntі fіеd, wіtһ tһе total рotеntіal for Сһіnеsе bіogas еstіmat еd at 145 trіllіon
ϲubіϲ mеtеrs . Оtһеr oϲountrіеs, suϲһ as Νерal and Vіеtnam, also oһavе a largе numbеr of bіogas
рlants. Μost bіogas рlants іn Asіa u sе sіmрl е tеϲһnologіеs and arе tһеrеforе еasy t o dеsіgn and
rерroduϲе. Оn tһе otһеr sіdе of tһе Atlantіϲ, tһе U S, Сanada and many Latіn Amеrіϲan ϲountrіеs
arе dеvеloріng modеrn obіogas sеϲtors, wіtһ a favorablе рolіϲy framеwork іn еaϲһ of tһеm bеіng
іmрlеmеntеd to suррort tһіs arеa of aϲtіvіty. Tһе l argе numbеr of еxіstіng bіogas рlants oреratіng
іn dіffеrеnt ϲou ntrіеs рrovеs tһat at рrеsеnt, bіogas tеϲһnologіе s arе еvolvеd, sustaіnablе and
рrovіdе solіd еϲonomіϲ guarantееs.

10
2. Energy prices on EU market

The p rices of energy produced from renewable energy sources significantly differ from the
prices of energy produced from conventional sources. In many European Union countries the prices
of energy produced from various renewable energy sources vary considerably. F igure 1 presents the
average prices of energy generated form biomass in the European Union and selected Member
States (Kot, S. and Slusarczyk, B., 2013 ).
050100150200250300300
177,12162,85
94
69,9 68,76 66,6 60,151,76109,76

Figure 1. The average prices [in Euro] of energy generated from bi omass in selected European Union countries.

The average price of energy generated from biomass in last years in the European Union
was about 109.76 EUR. The highest price of the energy generated from biomass was 300 EUR in
Italy. In Latvia and Bulgaria th e price was lower than 100 EUR. In Poland the price of energy
produced from biomass was 94 EUR and was over 15 EUR lower than the EU average. The lowest
prices were in Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania and Malta. An interesting situation can be
observed in case of Sweden, which, despite the low prices of energy from biomass, it is one of the
largest manufacturers of this type of energy, using the largest amount of fuel.

2.1. Renewable Energy Directives at EU Level
The world faces a clear threat to its su rvival due to climate change. Climate change is partly
natural, but mostly the result of humans‘ actions resulting in to catalyzing the process. Greenhouse
gas emissions play a lead role in causing or expediting climate change. Energy sector contribute to
about two -third of the total GHG emissions mainly because of the use of fossil fuels as a major
source of energy (Environmental Protection Agency, 2019 ). Efforts have been on -going at the
global scale to reduce and mitigate the challenges of the climate ch ange through collaborative
efforts. The heart of these efforts lies in reduction of the GHG emissions and adopting energy
generation options which are clean, sustainable and renewable. Kyoto protocol and Paris

11
Agreement in COP21 are the landmark achievemen ts at the international level to combine efforts to
tackle the challenge. Both these agreements present a mechanism called ‗clean development
mechanism (CD M) to be adopted at the mass level and ask for all countries to submit their national
determination c ontributions (NDCs) for low emissions and clean development , (United Nation
Frame Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement , 2015). Sustainable development goals
(SDGs) are developed by the United Nations Organization (UNO) to provide the guidelines an d
way forward to achieve sustainability around the worl d, (United Nation Organization , 2019 ).
2.2. Need for the EU Directives on Energy
European Union (EU) saw the need to act in accordance with the international approach and
set-up directives to decrease carbon footprints from the energy generation domain. The directives
approved in 2009 were the detailed guidelines focusing to control EU energy consumption, increase
energy generation through renewables, improve energy efficiency, integrating renewables in the
transport sector as well as the adoption of biomass and biofuels in the energy mixture. The
directives aimed to comply with the Kyoto protocol to the United Nation Framework Conven tion
on Climate Change, (United Nation Frame Convention on Climate Chan ge, Paris Agreement,
2015).
The directive established a joint framework for promotion of sustainable energy future for
EU. It sets the agenda for mandatory national targets for the overall share of energy from renewable
sources, and laid -out out targets to power transport through RE technologies. It stressed on the need
for joint action plans among the EU member states to support and initiate projects offering
sustainable energy future. Some of the highlights of the EU directives on renewable and sustainabl e
energy future include : (European Commission, 2009 ).
 Control of energy consumption in the EU with adoption of RE technologies in the energy
mixture. The directive also called for laying out plans to improve energy efficiency in the
process. Some portion o f the energy in the transport sector needs to be fulfilled through
renewables.
 Steps to promote R&D in the area of innovation and technology to make new energy
technologies including RE more acceptable and sustainable for use.
 Economic growth by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in production of RE.
Making plans to introduce ease of business for the investors in clean and innovative
technologies. Encourage generation of energy through indigenous resources.
 Commercialization and private sector e ngagement in the area of decentralized renewable
energy technologies. Community development through stakeholder engagement.

12
 Development of the ‗Renewable Energy Roadmap‘ with target to achieve 20% share of RE
in the energy mixture, 10% share of RE in the t ransport and 20% energy efficiency
improvements by year 2020. The directives called for national policies and agendas to meet
the set targets.
 Use of biomass like animal dung, agriculture residue, manure or slurry as a source of fuel
for electricity or hea ting purposes. Exploring option of biofuels with the options which may
not destroy agriculture lands.
 Clear and long -term national targets to attract investors and to encourage continuous
development of technologies.
 Energy price to include energy producti on and consumption cost plus the cost associate
with the environment and social healthcare.
 Development of the passive energy systems to reduce energy consumption. Improved
building design to decrease energy bills through passive heating and insulation
 Strength grid and transmission -distribution (T&D) network to take intermittent RE supply
through technologies like solar, wind and hydro. The priority and guaranteed up -take of
electricity from renewables.
2.3. Renewable Energy (RE) Technologies
Several ren ewable energy technologies are in use around the world and in operation for
commercial source of energy. EU calls for adoption of most of those technologies based on the
resource potential in different regions of the union. Some of the prominent technologi es include
solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one the most readily adopted technologies around the world with
solar potential available in most parts of the world. Solar irradiance in different regions of the EU is
enough to generate power for residential, commercial and industrial use. The solar power plant
typically has a plant capacity factor of 17 -18%, (Nati onal Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2019 )
The solar PV systems are broadly categorized to;
a. Utility scale power plants
b. Standalone systems
Utility scale power plants are typically the size of more than a mega -watt (MW) capacity
are regulated and dealt as any other thermal power plant with power purchase agreement (PPA) and
low flo w studies for the grid.

13
Standalone PV system are mostly distributed energy sources installed on residential,
commercial or industrial roof -tops or buildings to primary need to power requirement of the
facility. These systems can be further divided to :
i. Grid-tied solar PV systems
ii. Off-grid solar PV system
The grid tied systems are connected to the local utility grid and work as per the power
demand. In case of high demand, the remaining power is taken from the grid after utilizing solar
PV. When power generat ion is high, the units (kWh) are exported to the grid. The process is called
net-metering. (Energy Informative, 2012).
Off-grid systems are mostly installed in the areas which are either not connected to grid or
have inconsistent power supply. Off -grid sys tems mostly have batteries to compensate for sun
unavailability at night or in overcast conditions.
Wind Energy
Wind is also a reputed and test RE technology with several wind plants already commission
in different parts of the world. It is the most adopte d technology in Europe which has a strong wind
energy potential in almost all parts of the union. Different corridors exit in different EU countries ,
(Wind Europe, 2018). Wind farm typically has a plant capacity factor of 33% during operation.
Based on the wind potential and the utility of the wind energy source can be divided in two types:
a. Utility scale wind farms
b. Micro/mini wind turbines
The utility scale wind farms are abundant around the world. The typical turbine size of the
wind turbine in utility sca le plant ranges from 2.5 – 5 MW. The total wind farm capacity can range
from 50 – 200 MW.
The micro or mini wind turbines are in the ranges of kilo -watts (kW) and used mostly as an
off-grid energy source.
Hydro Power
Hydro power has been around for than a couple of centuries. The areas with high altitudes
and mountains are the sources of hydro power. Hydro power works on the principle of converting
potential energy to kinetic energy using natural flow of water. Hydro power can be broadly
categorized t o:
a. Hydro-electric dams
b. Run-of-the-river plants

14
Hydro -electric dams are mostly built for dual purpose of storing water and generating
electricity. Electricity generation is by -product or secondary purpose of any hydro dam. Dams
around the world are mostly in seve ral hundred mega -watts are require huge financial capital to be
built.
Run of the river is relatively a less complicated technology which use the flow and head of
the running water stream to move the turbine blades and consequently generating power. Run of the
river plants can range from a few kilo -watts to mega -watts depending upon the potential,
requirement and available finances. (Internati onal Renewable Energy Agency, 2015 ).
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is the energy extracted from the earth. It is a cl ean and sustainable
source of energy which uses heat of the earth. Resources of geothermal energy range from shallow
ground to rock deep down in to the earth crust. The shallow ground temperature remains mostly
constant in most parts of the world with temp erature range of 50° and 60°F (10° and 16°C). The
wells dig deeper can access heated region and convert water to steam to run the turbine.
Geothermal energy is also used for district heating and cooling in different parts of the EU
especially in eastern Eu ropean states . (Renewable Energy World, 2019) .
Biomass
Biomass is the organic material which comes from plants, animal and humans and is the
renewable source of energy. Biomass is used as a source of energy by method of burning or
chemical decomposition. S ome of the biomass sources include :
a. Wood and wood processing waste – burned for heating and for process heat in industries
b. Agriculture residue – burned for heating as well as to form biofuels
c. Food, yard or organic waste in garbage – burned to generate elec tricity or converted to
biogas
d. Animal manure or human sewage – converted to biogas which may be burned as fuel for
heating, cooking or electricity generation.
Biomass for Electric Power Generation .
The use of biomass for electric power generation is mostly adopted in waste -energy power
plants which collect and manage the domestic, commercial and industrial waste and use it as a
source of energy for producing stream. (Biomass For Electricity Generation , 2016) .
The leading voice of Bioenergy in Romania, ARBIO (The Romanian Association of
Biomass and Biogas , 2012 ) was founded in 2012 and until now is focused on its development
based on professional standards and a business approach. It is already a member of the European

15
Biomass Association (AEBIOM) and the Eur opean Biogas Association (EBA). In a market with
great potential, it promotes/ supports sustainable investments in the sectors of Biogas, Biomass,
Anaerobic Digestion, Waste to Energy, Biodiesel, Bioethanol, Recycling and more (ARBIO , 2014 ).
Technologies
The use of biomass for electric generation can be classified based on the type of the biomass
plant.
a. Direct combustion of the biomass such as agriculture and animal waste is the oldest and
simple method to generate energy from the biomass. The direct combus tion is mostly
achieved through;
i. Fixed -bed system
ii. Fluidized -bed system
b. Biomass gasification is another proven technology which uses a gasifier to produce
synthesis gas with enough energy content by heating biomass with less oxygen than needed
for combustio n. Typically, wood biomass such wood chips, pellets and sawdust are
combusted or gasified to generate electricity.
c. Anaerobic digestion produced renewable natural gas when organic matter is decomposed by
bacteria in the absence of oxygen. Corn and wheat str aw residue are baled for combustion
are converted in to a gas using anaerobic digester. Wet waste including animal and human
wastes are converted in to medium -energy content gas in an anaerobic digester.
d. Pyrolysis is done by heating the biomass in the abs ence of oxygen. The products of biomass
pyrolysis include bio -char, bio -oil and gases including methane, hydrogen, carbon
monoxide, and carbon dioxide . (Bio Energy Consult, 2018)
Economics of Biomass
Several companies around the world including Europe sel l different capacity sizes of the
engines which can operate on natural gas and biogas. The system size can range from 2kW to
several mega -watts. Also, small scale engine and gen -sets from 100 -5000kW are also available in
the market.
Small scale biomass ele ctric plant cost around USD 3000 – 4000 per kW and the level cost
of energy range from USD 0.08 -0.15 per kWh.
For system of capacity between 5 -25 MW, cost generally range between USD 3000 -5000 per kW,
but this could increase significantly with the fuel cos ts.

16
Large systems require significant amounts of material which lead to increasing material
costs. But, efficiency of the la rge plants is better and the cost is lower as compared to the small
plants.
The renewable energy technologies are promoted in the E uropean energy market is
introduced based on the resource potential of different technologies after rolling of EU directives
on renewable energy. (European Commission, 2018).
2.4. Revision in the EU directives on Promotion of Renewable Energy .
The conferen ce of parties (COP) 21 held in Paris in 2015 reached a landmark agreement
under United Nation Frame Convention on C limate Change, Paris Agreement of 2015 framework
to keep the global temperature rise to less than 2 degree Celsius and emphasized on the need to cut
emissions. The resolution which was later called ‗Paris Agreement‘ set targets for year 2030 and
2050 to reduce GHG emissions levels, (United Nation Frame Convention on Climate Change, Paris
Agreement, 2015).
European Union committed to cut its sha re of GHG emission to 44% less than that of 1990
levels. In order to meet its target and comply with the Paris Agreement, revised directives are issues
by the EU as per the new 2030 framework. 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework calls for
greater shar e of RE to the energy mix with minimum percentage of 32% by 2030 (European
Commission, 2018).
Under the new governance regulation which is a part of the ‗clean energy for all‘ European
package, EU member states are required to make national plans against d eployment of RE
technologies, energy efficiency, RE in transport sector plus the reduction in consumption of EU for
2021 -2030. The directives call for National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) to be submitted
before 31st December 2019.
Some of the addition s in the revised directives include;
 Target of at least 32% of RE in energy mixture by 2030 .
 Europe fights against climate change to reach Paris Agreement climate goals .
 Reduce air pollution in the cities and communities .
 Allows households, communities and business to become clean distributed energy sources .
 Reduce energy imports and increase energy security .
 Create more jobs and attract new investment in clean energy sector .

17
Impacts of Directives on EU Energy Outlook .
European Union has become the leader in adoption of renewable energy technologies over the
last decade. Different RE plants are installed in the union including wind, solar PV, geothermal and
biomass to diversify the energy mixture. Many countries have rolled out plan to scrap the dirty coal
power plants. The trend in RE adoption around the union can be seen from the data collected over
the period of decade which shows a continuous increase in RE adoption . (Internati onal Renewable
Energy Agency 2019 ).

Figure 2 Renewable Energy Installed Cap acity in EU (Source: IRENA 2019)

2.5. Support system of renewable energy sources .
Both , prices and quality of energy produced from renewable sources in most European
Union countries are given by the legal instruments, which goal is to promote this type o f energy.
The renewable energy pricing system consists of instruments such as: the system of fixed prices
(Feed -in Tariff), tax reliefs, guaranteed surcharge, investment grants. The most common is the
system of fixed prices, used in Germany, Austria, Spain , Denmark, Greece, Estonia, Bulgaria and
Lithuania. It involves the application of special preferential rates to purchase energy from
renewable sources for a long period of time (10 -20 years). The system of forming the amount of
energy produced consists of bidding system, and more frequently used, green certificate system.
These certificates, also known as certificates of origin, they are documents which confirm
production of energy from renewable energy sources. These certificates are alienable and can be a
subject of rotation on a special market. The green certificate system operates in: Poland, Belgium,
Romania, S weden, Italy, the UK and Latvia. ( Canton J. , Lindén A. J., 2010) .

18
2.6. Biomass production and consumption for energy purposes .
Five years ago, the total amount of biomass in the form of pellets produced in the European
Union countries amounted to 22.2 million tones. During this time an increase in production has
been noticeable year by year. The leaders in the production of biomass in the form of pellets were
in the last years Germany and Sweden. The biomass production in the following Austria and Italy
was more than half smaller. Among the analyzed countries, least biomass in the form of pellets
produces Denmark – the production was less than 2 00 000 tons per year. In case of Poland, the
production of biomass in the form of pellets oscillate between 380 000 – 510 000 tons and has
increased till now. All analyzed countries except Belgium and Italy, were characterized by an
upward tendency. The Eu ropean Union countries used more than 27.7 m illion tons of biomass in
the form of pellets to product energy in the last years, as in the case of production, this indicator is
characterized upward tendency. Comparing the production and consumption of biomas s, in the EU
it can be noted that production is more than 5 million tons less than consumption. It means, some
part of demand for this renewable energy source must be fulfilled with imports.
3. Biomass energ y production: comparative study

Romania is esti mated to have a biomass energy potential of 7 594 000 tone/year (or 318 x
109 MJ/year) corresponding to some 19 % of the total average primary consumption. The study
done by BERD in previous years identifies the following categories of fuels belonging to b iomass:
firewood and wood waste from harvesting operations: 1 175 000 tone (48.8 x 109 MJ/year),
sawdust and wood waste from wood processing operations: 487 000 tone (20.4 x 109MJ/year),
agricultural waste: 4 799 000 tone (200.9 x 109 MJ/year), biogas: 588 000 tone (24.6 x 109
MJ/year), household waste: 545 000 tone (22.8 x 109 MJ/year ) (Borz, 2013) .
Covering 36.5 % of the total surface of central region, the forests represent a valuable
resource for the small rural communities located in the mountain area and contribute to better
environmental conditions. Most forested area is covered by deciduous forests (55 % of the forested
area) followed by coniferous forests. With almost 4.3 million m3 of wood harvested in 2012, the
central region is currently the seco nd largest wood harvesting region in Romania and the number
one timber producer. These economic activities generate large amounts of sawdust and various
wood residues which could be used for energy production. Nowadays only a small fraction of these
woody materials are used for local energy production in central region. The largest biomass power
plants in central region are located in the most wooded counties (see Table 1): Harghita (Vlahita
and Gheorgheni), Covasna county (Intorsura Buzaului) and Alba coun ty (Sebes). The fuel used

19
ranges from wood chips and sawdust to bark, branches and other types of wood residues .
(Poikonen, 2014) .
The use of agricultural biomass for energy purposes in Romania is insignificant, despite the
fact that an increased potential exist in country. According to the Romanian Strategy for the
Valorization of Renewable Energy Resources, which was approved by a Government Decision
(GD 1535/2003), the Romanian potential of agri cultural biomass is about 12.6Millions tones per
year, which corresponds to approximately 201 PJ. However, more recent studies indicated that the
amount of agricultural biomass would be about 154 PJ, with significant annual variations. The last
studies refer s especial to the amount of biomass which is available for bio-energy by considering
the agricultural biomass consumptions for other related agricultural activities (Borz et. al 2013)
The development of the bio -energy sector in Romania has been slower than expected due to the
lower price of fossil fuels in Romani a in comparison to other energy resources on one hand and the
considerable costs of investments on the other hand. That‘s why financial support for the bio –
energy sector is needed. Several programs in different stage of implementation can be mentioned at
the national level dealing with different types of incentives in the field of renewable energies. The
potential beneficiaries vary from individuals to public authorities and companies. All these
programs have been successful and have served the interests of many companies and individuals.
For example:
 The National Program for Increasing the Energy Production from Renewable Sources
(2010).
 Promotion Scheme for Renewable Energies (Law no. 220/2008), supplemented and
amended by the Law 23/2014. (Transelectrica , 2019) .
 Sectorial Operational Program ―Increase of Economic Competitiveness‖ 2007 –2013.
 Green Building Program (Casa Verde) .
On the basis of the Promo -Bio activities the Romanian partners identified several
stakeholders interested in developing and suppo rting biomass initiatives. Some of them are
involved directly in wood biomass business fields and others intend to use local and available
resources to reduce energy costs and increase the efficiency of their current businesses. The main
interested entitie s are located in two counties of central region: Covasna and Harghita. The main
background characteristics of these two counties that led to better development of the woody
biomass applications are the following:
 high level of forest covered area – Covasna 45.9 % and Harghita 39.5 % – in comparison
with 36.9 %, the averag e percentage for central region.

20
 keeping in operation the old district heating systems for urban residential and industrial
consumers – the thermal sources use mostly conventional fuel whic h need implementation
of modernization and more efficie nt measures.
 the existence of small companies for primary wood processing and furniture manufacture
that could be the source of sawdust.
 good forest management (both state -owned and private forests) th at could create a
sustainable supply of raw materials f or bio -energy.
 supporting networks (professional associations) for bio -energy promotion, among whic h the
most active are: PROWOOD, group of small wood processing companies, research
institutes and publ ic authorities and GREEN ENERGY Biomass Cluster companies,
research institutes, public autho rities and financial institutes, (Poikonen, 2014) .
According to the National Action Plan in Renewable Energy Resources, the biomass is and
will be considered mostly as a thermal energy resource. Also, future demand in biomass domain
from Romania will be grea ter. Thus, in 2010 more than 5M illions m3 of wood were used for
internal energetic consume and in 2015 approximately 6.5M illions m3 of wood for energy use in
Roma nia, were produced. Also, by 2020 the wood production for energetic purposes will be
around 7.5 m3. The mentioned amounts include firewood, logging residues, wood processing
residues, briquettes, pellets and wood chips (PNAER, 2010, National Action Plan i n the field of
Renewable Energy) .
It is well know that in the sector of energy production, the process efficiency is increased if
both the electricity generation and thermal energy are produced simultaneously. In these cases the
power capacity of mini -powe r-plants based on biomass are around two times higher.
3.1. Overall Structure of Biomass Energy Production in Romania
An updated inventory of the Romanian sites where the energy is produced fro m biomass is
presented in Table. 1. List of accredited producers and power plant s from biomass updated in 2018
by (ANR E), National Regulatory Authority of Energy . (Autoritatea National a de Regle mentare in
Domeniul Energiei, 2019) .
Table .1. List of accredited producers and power plants from biomass updated in 2018 by Na tional
Regulatory Authority of Energy (ANRE) .
No Power
Plant Location Total
Power
MW Investor Working
status Details Ref. Type of
accredited
power
plant
1.
Dej Cluj
County. 9,730 A6 IMPEX S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biomass from
waste
wood www.scrgru
p.ro/en/a6 –
impex -sa-dej

Generating
group in
condensation
2. Radauti Suceava 4,930 Bioelectrica Under Biomass from www.bioelec Cogeneration

21
1 County Transilvania. SRL
Owned by
Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria exploitation waste
Wood
Electrical energy
(5 MW) and
thermal (17
MW).
Total value of
investment: 20
mil.Euro tricatransilva
nia.ro
plant on
biomass
3. Reci Reci
Covasna
county 15,000 Bioelectrica
Transilvania. SRL
Owned by
Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria Under
exploitation Electrical power
15 MWe
Installed thermal
power 38 MWt
Lifespan 25
years www.bioelec
tricatransilva
nia.ro
Cogeneration
plant on
biomass
4.
Suceava Suceava
city,
Suceava
county 29,650 Bioenergy Suceava
SRL Owned by
Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria Under
exploitation Classic steam
cycle with wood
biomass,
operation with
biomass from
forestry,
agriculture and
related indus tries www.bioene
rgysuceava.r
o
High
cogeneration
plant
efficiency on
biomass
5.
Radauti Suceava
County 14,500 Egger Romania Under
exploitation Biomass from
forestry,
agriculture and
related industries www.egger.c
om/shop/ro_
RO/despre –
egger/energe
tica
Cogeneration
plant on
biomass

6. Stejaru. Stejaru
Village,
Pingarati
commune,
Neamt
county. 6,500 General Energetic
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biomass from
wood waste https://www.
green –
report.ro
www.energo
for.ro/portof
oliu
Thermoelectr
ic power
station on
biomass fuel

7.
Sebes 1 Sebes
,Alba
County 2,500 Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria Under
exploitation Biomass from
forestry,
agriculture and
related industries www.schwei
ghofer.at/ro.
html
Cogeneration
plant on
biomass
8.
Sebes 2 Sebes
,Alba
County 8,752 Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria Under
exploitation Biomass from
forestry,
agriculture and
related industries www.schwei
ghofer.at/ro.
html
Cogeneration
plant on
biomass

9. Radauti
2 Suceava
County 10,000 Holzindustrie
Schweighofer,
Austria Under
exploitation Biomass from
forestry,
agriculture and
related industries
www.schwei
ghofer.at/ro.
html
Cogeneration
plant on
biomass
10. Tarcău Tarcau
Village,
Neamt
County. 1,278 Ring Biomass SRL Under
exploitation Forest biomass
and
related
industries,
agriculture www.trigchp
.com
www.biomas
s.polytechnik
.com/en/chp/
chp-thermal –
oil/rig –
biomass

Cogeneration
plant on
biomass,
ORC type
11.
Vama Vama
Commune
Suceava
County 0,312 Saucolenm. SRL Under
exploitation Biomass www.saucol
emn.ro
CET Vama –
Saucolemn

12. Gherla Gherla
city Cluj
County
1,234 Sortilemn.SA
Under
exploitation Forest biomass
and
related
industries,
agriculture www.sortile
mn.ro

www.elm.ro/
Produse –
Solutii/Lucra
ri-
specializate –
in-proiecte –
de-energie -Cogeneration
plant TG1

22
regenerabila/
Centrala -de-
cogenerare –
de-inalta-
eficienta -pe-
biomasa –
Sortilemn –
Gherla –
eID83.html

13. Gherla Gherla
city Cluj
County 0.200 Sortilemn.SA Under
exploitation Forest biomass
and
related
industries,
agriculture www.sortile
mn.ro

www.energy
-serv.ro
Cogeneration
plant TG2
14. Nucet Nucet
Commune
Dâmboviț
a County 0.250 Eragro Nucet SRL Under
exploitation Biomass from
agriculture and
related industries www. erbasu.
ro
www.eragro –
nucet.ro
Cogeneration
plant, CET
Nucet

Total
104.836 MW

1. A 6 Impex Dej Cluj County .
The Company SC A6 Impex SA Dej is member of the Romanian Commercial Services Group
(SCR) a thermo -electric power plant, which will produce about 67,000 MW annually, informs the
Romanian Commercial Services Group. The power plant boiler is composed of a wood -burning
boiler (biomass) with a capacity of 35t / h steam and a turbine with condensation, with a c apacity of
9.73 MW. This type of installation represents a solution for solving important environmental
problems by using renewable sources, in this case wood waste resulting from the processing of
wood from different fields according to the company vision .
For the construction of the thermo -electric power plant there where invested 16 million euros and a
further four million euros will be invested in the future. The electricity produced will be sold to
electricity suppliers, or final consumers.
2. Radauti1 Co generation power plant.
The biomass power plant in Romania is an investment of the Austrian company Holzindustrie
Schweighofer worth 20 million euros the Government of Romania supported this investment by
contributing through the Environment Fund with almo st five million euros. The cogeneration
power plant in Radauti has a total capacity of 22 MW, of which 17 MW thermal energy and 5 MW
electricity and is operated by Gerfor company a member of the Schweighofer group.
The cogeneration power plant that is ope ned in Radauti official in 2019 is operated by Gerfor
company and consumes 40 meters of biomass per hour, the thermal energy produced is to be used
for drying timber from the nearby factory that is owned by Holzindustrie Schweghofer and as well
as for hea ting 7,000 apartments in Radauti municipality the electricity produced is provided in the
national energy system.
3. Reci, Covasna C ounty Cogeneration plant on biomass.
Bio-Electrica Transilvania is the holder of license no. 864/2009 for the commercial exploi tation of
the capacities of electricity and thermal energy production in cogeneration. The Bio -Electrica
Transilvania company is owned by Holzindustrie Schweghofer and is accredited for the

23
application of the system of promotion by green certificates by D ecision no. 1780 / 16.11.2016 that
is been issued by the National Energy Regulatory Authority of Romania.
The power plant is located in Covasna county and it uses biomass for cogeneration to produce
electrical power of 15,000 MW and a installed thermal pow er 38 MW which will be used for the
nearby timber factory and also for providing heating for the city, the lifespan for this installation is
25 years with a duration of the investment 2 years starting from 2015.
4. Bioenergy Suceava .
Bioenergy Suceava SRL is a company owned by Holzindustrie Schweighofer, Austria established
for the construction and operation of a high efficiency cogeneration plant based on biomass
operation, in order to produce current thermal energy needs at Suceava Municipality level and fo r
nearby timber factory. The cogeneration power plant project was realized with a private investment
by Holzindustrie Schweighofer group of 86 million Euro and put into operation on November
2013. The technical data and equipment been used are a classic st eam cycle with wood biomass
operation consisting of superheated steam boilers, steam turbine assembly with electric generator of
29,65 MWe, with a useful thermal power for district heating: 71.43 MW witch is been used to heat
nearly 20,000 apartments in th e city of Suceacva. The total electrical energy delivered to National
Electrical System (SE N) is 167,000 MWh / year with a thermal energy delivered to the population
of Suceava city that is 270,000 Gcal / year and thermal energy delivered to the dryer whic h is used
for the nearby timber factory and for other co mpanies is approx. 74,000 Gcal per year.
5. Egger Romania Rădăuți the biomass power plant.
The Egger Company is a manufacturer of wood semi -finished products from Austria. The company
has 15 factories in Europe that produce chipboard and melamine boards. Egger delivers to
worldwide markets around 5. 2 million cubic meters of wood and semi -finished products, which
makes Egger the market leader in Europe, occupying about 10% of the market in 2006 according to
Wikipedia, (Wikipedia, 2019).
In Romania the Company has two collection platforms for the colle ction and recycling of by –
products of wood in Timberpak Cernica Bucharest and Cluj -Napoca, for the collection of
recyclable wood damaged pallets, old furniture, wood chipboard waste, wood packaging,
construction and demolition wood waste or biomass. The Co mpany since 2008 has a factory in
Romania, in Rădăuți, Suceava county. The Radauti factory has around 750 employees. There in
Rădăuți is produced gross PAL and melamine chipboard for the furniture industry, as well as OSB
boards for the wood construction i ndustry and the retail sector.
The Energy Activity as the Egger Company name it on their website is done in Radauti, Suceava
County. In 2014 Egger started up a thermoelectric power station in cogeneration which is based on
biomass and with an total install ed electric power of 14.50 MW. Egger Company has invested 35
million Euros in the production of electricity and heat done in an ecological and renewable way.
The Egger Company has built and operates a 110/20 kV Transformation Station which ensures the
energy that is produced at Radauti power plant is connected with the National Energy System. The
main objectives and the technical data of the power plant developed in Radauti by the Egger
company are:
 Capitalization of biomass residues resulting from producti on processes.

24
 Providing thermal & electrical energy for production facilities, for the factory that it
operates and selling the surplus of energy produced by connecting with the National
System of energy (SEN). Condensed steam turbine with sockets of therm al power with an
installed electrical power of 14.56 MW with one power boiler and one turbo -generator
group.
 The total thermal capacity is 83 MW which is used in production facilities.
 The investment is 39 million Euro, Start -up in October 2013 .

6. Stejaru B iomas Power Plant, Neamt county.
In May 2012 General Energetic has obtained financing for the construction of a new power plant
based on biomass, the project was funded by several banks. The new plant was built in Stejaru
village, Pingarati commune, Neamt county. According to Transelectrica data, in 2011, General
Energetic received Green Certificates (CV) worth over 2.9 million euros. In the first four months of
the current year the energy producer received 29.121 Green Certificates (CV), with a value of ov er
1.6 million euros. The Power Plant power is 6,500 MW and was constructed in subcontracting by
Energofor Company.
7. Sebeș 1 Cogeneration plant on biomass.
The Sebeș factory which started the production in 2003 is the first timber factory in Romania of
Holz industrie Schweighofer. Today the factory offers about 600 jobs. The Power plant located
near the timber factory on the industrial platform which the Holzindustrie Schweighofer owns is
based on cogeneration of biomass and produces a total electrical power of 2.5 MW of electricity
and 8.6 MW of thermal energy with a hot water boiler of 20 MW. The energy produced by the
power plant is used for the nearby timber factory which uses electrical and thermal energy in for
production purposes, the electrical energy is send in to SEN Natio nal System of Energy and sold as
green energy which has some financial benefits for the company. The heat is used to dry the timber
and sawdust produced in the factory it owns in Sebeș. The new plant will reduce the costs for the
company and will maximize the products. As a biomass is used industrial residues, bark and
chopping but also exploitation residues, tips and chopping from trees. The thermal energy resulting
in such a power station will be used for the factory. The investment was made by private fu nds and
is estimated at around 10 million euro.
8. Sebeș 2 Cogeneration plant on biomass.
The power plant has a capacity of 32 MW and is located on the Sebeș industrial platform, owned
by the Austrian company, the market leader in the wood processing industry in Romania.
According to National Regulatory Au thority of Energy (ANRE) the license for the power plant was
first released in 2010. The investment expected last year in such a power plant was 25 -30 million
euros. This power plant similar with the other that the company owns in Sebes but it has a bigger
capacity for production of electrical and thermal energy. The cogeneration plant produces 27.5 MW
of thermal energy and 8.752 MW of electricity with a hot water boiler of 20 MW. The energy
produced is used in the same way as the other plant that the compa ny operates in Sebes.
9. Radauti 2 Cogeneration plant on biomass.
In Radauti the Holzindustrie Schweighofer group operates two cogeneration plants based on
biomass the first is under Bioelectrica Transilvania company and built in cooperation with the local
authorities and the Romanian government that offer to invest 5 million euros to sustain the

25
investment that will replace the old city power plant for heating the city that was using coal.
Radauti 2 cogeneration plant is built by the Holzindustrie Schweighofe r group with private funds
and has 28 MW thermal energy capacity and with 10 MW electricity that is sold and delivered in
(SEN) National System of Energy, the thermal energy is used for the nearby factory to production
of goods. The timber factory from Răd ăuți was first put into operation in 2008. It is equipped with a
modern lamellar beam production line and has about 650 employees and produces wood gluten
products poles 115.000 m³, beams 135.000 m³, pellets 186,000 tons. All the cogeneration plant that
are owned by the Holzindustrie Schweighofer group in Romania are operated under the
Bioelectrica Transilvania company with the goal of producing electricity and thermal energy.
10. Tarcău, Neamt County Ring Biomass SRL Cogeneration plant on biomass, ORC type.
The power plant from Tarcau Vilage in Neamt County was built by the Ring -Biomass SRL
Company with the following capabilities, a boiler output of 6,715 kWth (1,278 kWel), the
combustion system is an hydraulic reciprocating step grate which uses as fuel bark, wood chips,
sawdust, residual forest wood, the year of construction is 2014. RIG Biomass CHP benefits from
licensing for the commercial exploitation of the electricity generation capacity in cogeneration
issued by the Romanian Energy Re gulatory Authority . A short project description, the thermal
boiler plant uses oil, which was put in operation for the first time in 2015, is equipped with a
single -pass boiler, a meander heater and an economizer. The t hermal oil with a flow temperature of
312°C is used for electrical energy production by means of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
module, the operation of the boiler uses the thermodynamic Rankine cycle with organic fluid
(ORC = Organic Rankine Cycle) which nominally produces 1,28 MW. The heat produced at 90°
and 70°C is used for the customer‘s wood drying chambers process in production facilities. The
principal objective of the project that the company has developed, resulted from the necessity of the
econo mic agent for the increase of the (combined heat and power -CHP) energy efficiency, and to
increase the amount of the electricity qualified as being produced in high efficiency cogeneration
plant.
11. Saucolemn, Vama commune Suceava C ounty.
The company was foun ded in 1994 with the activity of manufacture wood panels, sawmills and
planning of wood, it has a number of 65 employees reported in 2015. The main activity of the
company is wood material cutting with a maximum projected capacity of 200.00 cubic meters pe r
month / month. The Saucolemn Company specializes in the manufacturing of stairs made from
materials like solid wood, interior doors, exterior and laminated wood windows. The realization of
these products is made with modern technology consisting of machi nes and machines with
numerical control and together with the specialized software can be realized according to the
clients' requirements different constructive solutions for each case. The panels that are produced for
stairs as well as the layered profile s for windows and doors are always checked by mechanical tests
before processing or sell it. The products are executed with hight performance machines quoted as
a technological peak, being presented at international profile fairs in Hannover and Milan. Thi s fact
has contributed to obtaining the certifications regarding the quality for the products that the
company produce from two of the most famous certification bo dies in the world, both German , this
is very helpful for the company in getting trust by othe r entities and from the customer.
The biomass power plant that is operated by the company has its main purpose is for production of
goods and conserve costs and energy. The thermic power of the power plant is 3.44 MW/h and an

26
electric power of 0.3 MW. The power plant uses as fuel biomass from forestry and the wood waste
that the factory produces as a result of manufacturing processes.
12. Gherla city Cluj County Sortilemn Cogeneration plant TG1.
The Company Sortilemn, is located in Gherla in the central part of Romania in the county of Cluj,
Sortilemn factory is a local Romanian furniture manufacturer, the investment in a high efficiency
cogeneration plant on biomass was started in 21 November 2012. This is the first plant that was
built in Romania, with the new technology employed thermal oil + ORC cycle and its specific
application of high efficiency cogeneration on biomass.
The project was implemented in partnership with the ESCO Company, SC ENERGY -SERV SRL,
based in Bucharest, who undertook the project from c oncept and design to operation. The business
project was 50% financed from the European funds, which was allocated to the Sectoral
Operational Program of "Increasing Economic Competitiveness" Axis 4 program in Romania. The
Cogeneration power plant of high efficiency uses biomass as the fuel. The project is compound of a
boiler with thermal oil and a turbo -generator ORC Organic Rankine Cycle with all the necessary
additional equipment to function in an automatic way with the main purpose of producing thermal
power 5400KW, hot water at 95 C and 75C and superheated water at 150/125C to produce
electricity 1200 KW. The cogeneration plant, which generate 1,3 MW electricity and 7 MWt
thermal energy, is the result of Sortilemn company policy to reduce the energy (power & heat)
costs, make best use of the available renewable sources (wood wastes) that the company owns,
reduce the GHG (Green House Gas) emissions, promote new and well proven technologies for
energy efficiency.
13. Gherla city Cluj County Sortilemn Cogene ration plant TG2.
This is the second boiler that the company operates it produces only 0.200 KW.
14. Eragro Nucet SRL Nucet Commune Dâmbovița
The Company Eragro Nucet is located in the Dambovita County is an agro -zoo-technical farm
rising of dairy cattle. It is owned by the Erbasu Company.
Biomass boilers are designed to run on wood chip, woo d pellets, l ogs or briquettes and o thers are
designed to work and burn straw and hay bales, waste wood and shavings from manufacturing
processes. There are two types of fuel that a boiler power plant based on biomass uses and are
wood chip and wood p ellets and the pow er plant is different according to the manufacturer
specification that is why each power plant is different according to the manufacturer design and
according to the row material used for energy generation in this case id depends on the type of
biomass tha t is used.
In the next table is presented a list of electric energy producers in Romania which uses biomass as
their energy sources to produce biogas and then electric energy and heat which is send and sold in
to national energy system.
In table. 2. is pres ented a l ist of accredited electricity producers b ased on Biogas updated in 2018 by
(ANRE) National Regulatory Authority of Energy . (Autoritatea National de Reglementare in
Domeniul Energiei, 2019) .

27
Table. 2. List of accredited electricity producers based o n Biogas updated in 2018 by National
Regulatory Authority of Energy (ANRE) .
No.
Power
Plant Location Total
Power
MW Investor Working
status Details Type of
accredited
power plant
1.
Verguleasa
Buzau County 2,262 AAYLEX PROD
S.A. Under
exploitation Biogas from
biomass bird waste Cogeneration plant
on biogas
2. Segarcea
Vale
Teleorman
County
Segarcea Vale
Commune 0,250 AGROTRUST
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from
biomass, animal
waste, corn
Power plant on
biogas
3. Satu Mare Satu Mare
City,
Maramures
County 0,350 APASERV SATU
MARE S.R.L. Under
exploitation Fermentation gas of
sludge from the
installations
wastewater treatment
plant Cogeneration
power plant
4. Tufeni
Village
Olt County 0,400 ARMAN
CONSTRUCTION
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from
biomass , sorghum
and swine dejections
Cogeneration
power plant
equipped with two
CHP units, CET
5. Tulcea City Tulcea County 0,527 BIOCARNIC ESCO
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from
Biomass and
Agriculture waste Cogeneration
power plant, CET
6. Arad City Arad County 0,988 COM ABM S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from
biomass
and
biological waste Cogeneration
power plant, based
on biogas CET
7. Oradea City Oradea
County 0,720 ORADEA S.A.
WATER
COMPANY Under
exploitation Fermentation gas a
sludge from the
install ations
wastewater treatment
plant Cogeneration plant
8. Focsani City
Focsani City
Vrancea
County 0,250 PUBLIC UTILITY
COMPANY SA Under
exploitation Fermentation gas a
sludge from the
installations
wastewater treatment
plant Cogeneration plant
9. Cristuru
Secuiesc
City Harghita
County 0,826 EXPLOCOM GK
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from biomass
wood waste and
energy crops Cogeneration
power plant, based
on biogas CET
10. Ardud Satu Mare
County 1,487 FIRST BIOGAZ
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from biomass
and energy crops Cogeneration plant
on biogas
11. Filipestii de
Padure Filipestii de
Padure
commune,
Prahova
county 1,063 GENESIS BIOTECH
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Biogas from biomass
and energy crops,
agricultural waste
and related industries Station for th e
production of
renewable energy
from biomass
12. Chiajna Chiajna Ilfov
County 3,600 IRIDEX GROUP
IMPORT EXPORT
S.R.L. Under
exploitation Waste fermentation
gas Cogeneration
power plant based
on biogas from
organic waste
13. Muntenii de
Jos Vaslui County 0,500 MEVCER S.R.L.
Under
exploitation Biogas plant that use
biomass, animal
waste as a raw
material Power plant on
biogas.

14. Oradea
Bihor County 0,498 NEW LIFE
ENERGY S.R.L. Under
exploitation Waste fermentation
gas it uses as a raw
material the water
drain from the trash
pit Cogeneration
power plant based
on biogas
15. Arad Arad County 0,330 RENEWABLE
POWER S.R.L.
Under
exploitation Power station
operating on waste
fermentation gas Cogeneration
power plant based
on biogas which
uses waste
fermentation gas
16. Boldești –
Scăeni Arad County 0,330 RENEWABLE
POWER S.R.L.
Under
exploitation Power station
operating on waste
fermentation gas Cogeneration
power plant based
on biogas which
uses waste
fermentation gas
17. Carei Satu Mare
County 1,600 SANA RA S.R.L.
Under
exploitation Biogas derived from
biomass Cogeneration
power plant CET
18. Vornicenii Suceava 2,974 TEB PROJECT ONE Under Biogas from biomass, Cogeneration

28
MariVillage,
Common
Moara County S.R.L. exploitation silage, maize and
animal waste power plant on
biogas
19. Seini City Maramures
County 0,370 Seini City Hall,
Maramureș County Under
exploitation Biogas derived from
biomass, energy crop
silage, animal waste. Cogeneration
power plant on
biogas
20.
Total Energy Biogas
19,325 MW

21. Total E nergy fro m Biomass
124,161 MW

As it could be observed from Table. 1. and Table. 2. a total electrical power of 124,161 MW
generated using biomass is available in Romania, (without considering the Thermal Electrical Plant
from Rovinari, which is still working using the coal as principal row material). The production
structure of the national energy system by types of resources is represented in the Figure. 3. for the
month of January 2019 .

Figure. 3. Energy System by Types of Resources, (ANRE) National Regulatory Authority for Energy .
The energy production based on biomass in P oland is similar with the Romanian situation,
if it is taking into consideration the same percentage related to the total energy production in each
country. However, in 2015 the total energy pro duction in Poland was 35 700 MW. Therefore, the
energy product ion based on biomass in Poland represents a capacity of around 300 MW, which is
more than two times higher than the energy production based on biomass in Romania.
4. Quantification of impact for the environment using RIAM method.

The Rapid Impact Assessme nt Matrix ( RIAM ) is a tool for analyzing, organizing and
presenting the results of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

29
4.1. Description of the method .
The RIAM method has the possibility to make series of operations to compare different
varian ts. RIAM is based on a standard definition of the important evaluation criteria, as well as of
the means by which quasi -quantitative values can be ded uced for each of these criteria. (Sluser,
2018) .
These are the Steps for implementing the RIAM method:
1. Establish ing the subject environmental components, which are analyzed .
2. Qualitative characterization of environmental components through the analysis of
representative and specific quality indicators.
3. Granting the marks for the criteria A 1, A 2, B1, B2, B3, on a scal e according to the table
no. 4 for each quality indicator considered .
4. Calculating the average score for each quality indicator analyzed according to the
equation, respectively (ES i); calculating the average score for each evaluated
environmental component.
5. The interpretation of the results obtained after calculating the environmental scores
according to the conversion of the environmental scores into categories from table no. 6.
4.2. Application of the RIAM method and the results obtained :
According to the d ata found, it is desired to quantify the induced impact on the environment, taking
into account the air environment component for coa l and biomass energy production the data fou nd
are represented in table no.5 .
The calculation of the impact produced on the environment by the activity carried out for the
production of energy from coal and biomass in Romania and Poland by the RIAM method was
performed according to the input data and the calculation methodology specific to the method.
The calculation procedure for RIAM is as follows:
(a1) x (a 2) = a T (1.1)
(b1) + (b 2) + (b 3) = b T (1.2)
(aT) x (b T) = ES (1.3)
Where:
 (a1), (a 2) are the grades (values) given to the in dividual criteria for group (A).
 (b1), (b 2), (b 3) are the grades (values) given to the in dividual criteria for group (B).
 aT is the result o f multiplying all the notes (A).
 bT is the result of summing all the notes (B).
 ES is the average score for the factor analyzed.

30
For each component, the calculations are performed according to the criteria and the grading steps
presented in the table no.3.

Table. 3. Description of RIAM criteria
Criterion Scale Description
A1
(importance of
condition) 4
3
2
1
0 Important for the national/international interests
Important for the regional/nat ional interests
Important only for the zones found near the local zone
Important only for the local condition
No importance
A2
(magnitude of
effect) +3
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
-3 Major importance benefit
Meaningful benefit of the quo status
Benefit of the quo statu s
Lack of quo change/status
Negative change of quo status
Significant disadvantages or negative changes
Major disadvantages or changes
B1
(permanence) 1
2
3 No changes
Temporary
Permanence
B2
(reversibility) 1
2
3 No changes
Reversible
Irreversible
B3
(cumulatively) 1
2
3 No changes
Non-cumulative/unique
Cumulative/synergetic

The final evaluation for each method of producing energy is made according to the table no.4 .
After the ES scores have been fixed in a category, they can be presented individual ly or by country
process and can be presented in graphical or numerical form.
Table. 4. Classification of final environmental scores into categories (ES).
Environmental score Categories Description of the category
+72 la +108 +E Major positive changes/ im pact
+36 la +71 +D Significant positive changes/ impact
+19 la +35 +C Moderate positive changes/ impact
+10 la +18 +B Positive changes/ impact
+1 la +9 +A Slight positive changes/ impact
0 N Lack of change / status quo / doesn‘t
apply
-1 la -9 -A Slight negative changes / impact
-10 la -18 -B Negative changes / impact
-19 la -35 -C Moderate negative changes / impact
-36 la -71 -D Significant negative changes / impact
-72 la -108 -E Major negative changes / impact

Due to its ability to use qu alitative data, the RIAM method can be used at various levels in the
development cycle and ensuring the focus on possible pos itive and negative effects more

31
effectively than with other methods . This is why the method considered very subjective this
subject ive reasoning can be understood by the person studying the report.

Table. 5. Quality indicators measurements for air by country and process used to produce electric
energy from coal and biomass.
Process Quality Indicator MC MAC
Poland Coal Process NO x 275 490
SO x 207 400
PM 10 4 50
Romania Coal Process NO x 532 500
SO x 758 400
PM 10 11 50
Poland Biomass Process NO x 101 300
SO x 7 200
PM 10 3 30
Notes : MAC – maximum allowable concentration
MC- measured concentration

The values for criteria A and B were assigned based on measures concentration of each
pollutant, as an average of multiannual measurements. In case of criteria A 1 value 4 was assigned
for measured concentrations between alert threshold and maximum limit, and value 3 was assigned
in cas e of measurements under alert threshold. Criteria A 2 has value ( -3) in case of measurements
higher than maximum limits, and value ( -1) was assigned in case of measured concentrations under
alert threshold. In case of criteria B, value 1 was assigned when t he measured concentration is
under alert threshold, and value 3 was assigned when the measured concentration was higher the
maximum limits according to environmental standards. The alert level is determined by the
following relation: AL. = 70% • MAC , (Slus er B.M., 2012) .
Table 6. Matrix of rapid impact assessment of energy production in Poland and Romania

Notes : MC -measured concentration
MAC -maximum allowed concentration
ESi – environmental scores in function with measured quality indicator i
ES – global environmental score

Example: for the Poland coal process the analyzed environment factor is air, we considered
three characteristic quality indicators, namely NO x, SO x, PM 10.
PROCESS QUALITY INDICATOR MC MAC A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 ESi ES
NOx 275 490 4 -1 1 1 1 -12
SOx 207 400 4 -1 1 1 1 -12
PM10 4 50 4 0 1 1 1 0
NOx 532 500 4 -3 3 3 3 -108
SOx 758 400 4 -3 3 3 3 -108
PM10 11 50 4 -1 1 1 1 -12
NOx 101 300 3 -1 1 1 1 -9
SOx 7 200 3 0 1 1 1 0
PM10 3 30 3 0 1 1 1 0CRITERIA
POLAND COAL PROCESS
ROMANIAN COAL PROCESS
POLAND BIOMASS PROCESS -8
-76
-3

32
The individual criteria scores for groups A and B were granted following the tab le no.3.
For the NOx indicator, the qu ality scores were as follows: A 1 = 4, A 2 = -1, B 1 = 1, B 2 = 1,
B3 = 1. According to the calculation methodology we will have:
(a1) x (a 2) = a T => 4 x ( -1) = ( -4)
(b1) + (b 2) + (b 3) = b T => 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
(aT) x (b T) = ESi => (-4) x 3 = ( -12) resulting in an ES i = -12
For the SO x indicator, the quality scores were as follows: A 1 = 4, A 2 = – 1, B 1 = 1, B 2 = 1,
B3 = 1. According to the calculation methodology we will have:
(a1) x (a 2) = a T => 4 x ( -1) = ( – 4)
(b1) + (b 2) + (b 3) = b T => 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
(aT) x (b T) = ES i => (-4) x 3 = ( -12) resulting in an ES i = -12
For the PM 10 indicator, the quality scores were as follows: A 1 = 4, A 2 = 0, B 1 = 1, B 2 = 1, B 3
= 1. According to the calculation methodology we will have:
(a1) x (a 2) = a T => 4 x 0 = 0
(b1) + (b 2) + (b 3) = b T => 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
(aT) x (b T) = ES i => 0 x 3 = 0 resulting in an ES i = 0
The average of the three values ( -12) + ( -12) + 0 / 3 = 8 will represent the value of ES
In the end we obtained ES (final average s core) having the value ES = 8
With this final result we went further to table 4 to observe the gravity of the environmental
impact induced by the activity carried out by Poland and Romania process for energy production
from coal and biomass.
Table.7 . The centralizing RIAM matrix .
ES
Environment Components Poland Coal Process Romania Coal Process Poland Biomass Process
AIR Slight negative changes /
impact Major negative changes /
impact Slight negative changes /
impact

The legend :
 Category -A Changes / Slight negative impact.
 Catego ry -B Changes / Negative impact.
 Category -C Cha nges / Moderate negative impact.
 Category -D Changes / Significant negative impact .

33
4.3. I nterpretation of RIAM method based on t he results obtained
 For Poland Coal Process the air indicators that have a major impact are: SO x, NO x, these
indicator s have slight negative changes or impact for the environment quality . (–A
according to the table.4 .), The other indicator PM 10 do not pro duce any changes on the
environmental quality . (N, Lack of change according to the table.4.). The environmental
score for air in the case is slight negative changes or impact on the environment quality (-A,
according to the table.4.) and is presented below in the Figure.4.

Figure. 4. Poland Coal Process Air I ndicators .

 For Romania coal process the environmental quality indicators analyzed for air componet
that have a major impact are: So x, NO x, these indicato rs have a major negative changes or
impact for the quality of the environment , (–E according to the table .4.), while PM 10
indicator have negative changes or impact on the quality of the environment, ( -B according
to the table.4 .). The environmental score obtained for Romania coal process is in the
category of major negative changes or impact for the quality of the environment , (-E,
according to the table.4.). and is presented in Figure.5.

34

Figure.5. Romania Coal P rocess Air Indicators.

 For Poland biomass process the only quality indicator taken into a ccount that induces slight
negative changes or impact for environmental for air component s is NO x (-A according to
the table.4.). The other two indicators measured SO x and PM 10 have no changes for the
quality of environment, ( N, Lack of change , according to the table.4.). The environmental
score for Poland biomass process re flects slight negative changes or impact for the quality
of the environment (-A according to the table.4.) .

Figure.6. Poland Biomass P rocess Air Indicators.
 For an overvi ew of the ac tivity carried out in Poland biomass process the final
environmental score ES frames the activity as having a slight negative changes or impact on
the quality of the environment (-A according to the table.4.) , and place Poland in a good
situation regarding environment quality and t he impact of energy produced from biomass .

35
 An overview for Poland coal process has an environment score ES wich frames the activity
as having a slight negative changes or impact on the quality of the environment ( -A
according to the table.4.) and place Poland in a good situation regarding environment
quality and the impact of energy producing from coal on the quality of the environment.
 Romania coal process activity has major negative change s and impact for the quality
environment , (-E according to the table.4.) and is presented below in Figure.7.

Figure.7. Environment Impact Score Overview Poland and Romania for Biomass and Coal.

It can be observed that in case of energy production from coal Romani a is most important
polluter the result classifying it as inducing major negative effects in environment, major impact,
while, Poland in both cases is classified as slight negative changes, insignificant impact. Thus, the
recommended process with insignificant impact and lees dangerou s for environment is energy
production using biomass. In case of Romanian coal process the mo st contributor pollutants are
NO x and SO x, thus remediation actions and pollution control are mandatory, by regulations.
However, the experimental data used herein to quantify the environmental impact was collected
during the year 2015, later on Romanian power plant was technological improved and depollution
equipment for NO x and SO x emissions was implemented. Thus , the current measurements are under
the maximum lim its, according to environ mental national standards. Also the Poland Biomass
Power Plant has almost no negative changes of environmental quality.
4.4. Remarks and critical analysis of the used method RIAM
Based on the results that induce where to act to red uce pollution for the analyzed component of the
environment in our case is air, which are the most negative quality indicators for the environment
and which method for producing energy is cleaner and which is more polluting and also see the
difference betw een Poland and Romania regarding the pollution in the case of coal and biomass.

36
Because the RIAM is slightly subjective the result can be influenced by how we applied the method
or of the experience of the person who makes the report.
For Example in the ca se of Poland biomass process the component a nalyzed has three indicators
NO x, SO x, PM 10 from which two of them have an ES i = 0 and only NO x induces and nega tive
impact with a score of ( -9), however by averaging we will obtain a score on the environment
component of ES= ( – 3) much lower value of ES and then we can make a wrong opinion about the
degree of pollution of the environment component reaching from a negative impact ( -9) to a
slightly negative of ( -3). Because of this reason when we are carrying out an environment impact
assessment we should only chose only the quality indicators specific to the activity carried out and
those present in very small or non -existing quantities should be removed from the calculation. For
example by doing this we ens ure th at we obtain a true result for the component of the environment
we analyzed in our case for Poland coal process the result will have different data, from an ES i = (-
8) with s light negative changes or impact on the environment quality to (-12) n egative chan ges or
impact on the environment thus giving us a different view of the process and component we have
analyzed.
Conclusions

The latest studies and European reports proved that there is stringent need to us e alternative
sources of energy as unconventional ones and to reduce the negative effects i nduced in
environmental quality. Biomass is stated to be one of the optimal alternatives in this case. It appears
in free forms and contains an energy that can be used by means of a variety of methods. Its prices
significantly differ from the prices of energy produced from conventional sources and are formed
by the legal instruments, which goal is to promote this type of energy. It may be observed that the
total amount of biomass in the form of pellets produced in t he European Union countries increases
year by year and that production is more than 5 million tons less than consumption. It should be
noted that the use of produced biomass for obtaining energy is constantly increasing in EU while
Romania has some difficu lties. The development of the bioenergy sector in Romania has been
slower than expected due to the lower price of fossil fuels in Romania in comparison to other
energy resources and the considerable costs of investments. That‘s wh y financial support for th e
bioenergy sector is needed.
Appling the RIAM m ethod was useful in both cases for Romania and Poland due to fact that it
underlines if the country is in respect with the development of a certain sector , in our case the
biomass energy production sector an d coal production development and also it suggest to make the
needed improvements by country and environment component.

37
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