The production of biomass pellets has a wide range of selection from almost any kind of vegetation or agricultural byproducts. Due to the environmental-friendly characteristic of biomass energy, more and more new materials have been proved to be condensed into biomass pellets.
Sunflowers
Residues from sunflowers may also be used to form pellets in the Ukraine and insome other Countries in Europe.
Grapes and citrus fruits
Nut shells and fruit seeds are generally inaccessible in significant quantities to use in large-scale pellet production, but may hold potential over a local basis.
Switchgrass
Switchgrass is another option for pelletization, although at a yield of only 7-11 metric tons per hectare it is outperformed by miscanthus. This grass is also called “elephant grass,” and grows in the prairies of North America.
Cardoon
Cardoon is another herbaceous species that has been identified as a feasible energy crop for countries in southern Europe. Its dry yield varies between 3-11 metric tons per hectare. Cardoon grows in areas with limited rainfall. Although the plant’s calorific value is high at 15 megajoules per kilogram its 13.9 percent ash content is comparatively high. The greatest potential for cardoon may be as a supplement to other biomass sources to make blended biofuel.
Experts are still exploring other new material to make biomass pellets, and we are looking forward to see more.