Biomass from willow plantation as a source of renewable energy and reduction of smog emissions

In the paper, the Author has presented the activity of the Koszalin University of Technology and the experience concerning its willow plantation. Creating a network of power and heating stations should not only affect the climate and energy safety but first of all contribute to a sustainable entrepreneurial development of rural areas. The Koszalin University of Technology has been conducting experiments and implementing new technologies on its 92.0 ha willow plantation. During the last two years, there has been a research project carried out aiming at the following among others:
• use of sewage residues and municipal organic waste as manure in plantation;
• selection of plants with the most efficient growth and energy performance, taking into account technical, environmental and economical aspects. Next year, the co-combustion at a local district heating plant for thermal energy will be launched and, in five years’ time, cogeneration solutions: a power plant and a district heating system based on biomass energy gasification will be introduced. Scientific innovation and significance:
• potential of using fallow soils for willow plants;
• research into the selection of different willow clones: the highest biomass gain;
• use of sewage and municipal organic waste residues as manure in the plantation;
• cooperation with the Heating Plant and the Municipal Plant: to establish a plant for heat production