Algar Biomass Project

CONTEXT

Algar, S.A., the entity responsible for the environmental management  of the Algarve region, is involved in the Proforbiomed project, a European-based project focused on the use of biomass as a renewable energy source as alternative fuel to meet the thermal needs of the public buildings in the Faro District. The high operating costs of the current system, motivated by the constant increase of diesel fuel price, and the need to reduce those operating costs, have led the Municipality of São Brás de Alportel to equate another more competitive solution.

OBJECTIVES

The Biomass project in Algar is a pilot case study, that aims to implement an alternative biomass-based solution in order to satisfy the thermal needs of the São Brás de Alportel Public Swimming Pools, an infrastructure whose thermal needs are in the present satisfied by the combustion of diesel in two boilers with additional support solar panels installed on the roof.

DESCRIPTION

The methodology for the preparation of this study comprised the identification of current diesel fuel generated energy consumption data obtained by items presented by Algar, and their comparison with alternative energy in the form of biomass. The solution considers a system that included a pellets boiler and new hot water storage capacity.

The feasibility analysis is based on the comparison between the current economic situation and alternative scenarios equated identifying investment costs and operating with the use of pellets.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES

• Pilot project
• Implementation of an alternative biomass solution
• Feasibility studies
• Studies for the implementation of a pellet boiler
• Technical and economic feasibility analysis of a pellet production unit
• Technical and economic feasibility analysis of a thermal power plant using biomass leftovers from forestry activities