Energy valorisation of the residual biomass from greenhouses in the framework of a circular economy

Abstract Thrace Greenhouses S.A. cultivates 5000 t y −1 cucumbers and 3500 tomatoes hydroponically on 170,000 m 2 of land. During cultivation (from February to November), suckers leaves are removed regularly, producing 7,000 – 8,000 residual green biomass. The anaerobic digestion technology was applied at laboratory scale, explore the potential valorising generated residues for biogas production. latter ranged between 18 30 NL methane per kg fresh biomass (suckers or leaves, respectively). Considering a typical mixture produced during cultivating season, annually estimated 140,000 3 . can be used as fuel in combined heat power (CHP) system (cogeneration). CHP considered central unit hybrid energy (HES) integrated with batteries, aiming provide autonomy greenhouses. Moreover, flue gas from containing 10% CO 9% O could source In this case, trace gases (NO x : 401±37 ppm, NO:168±15 NO 150±18ppm, CO: 401±60, SO 1.4±2.2) present should and/or diluted air before entering