Advancing Community Bioenergy in Central Greece: Biomass Integration and Market-Uptake Evaluation

This paper investigates how the existing pellet plant of the Energy Community of Karditsa (ESEK) can be leveraged to strengthen RESCoop operations by integrating a variety of biomass feedstocks as (i) urban residual biomass, (ii) forest residues, and (iii) alternative sources such as spent coffee grounds (SCGs). The RESCoop envisions an extended role as an Energy Service Company (ESCO) by installing and operating biomass boilers in local public buildings. The paper provides an overview of the technical and business support that was provided to the RESCoop for the development of such new business activities and aggregates the lessons learned from engaging the rural society towards sustainable bioenergy production. More specifically, the study covers the logistical aspects of the new RESCoop value chains, including availability, collection, transportation, and processing of the feedstocks along with their costs. A base case scenario investigates the feasibility of installing biomass boilers in municipal buildings through a detailed financial viability study examining capital and operational expenses, revenues, and key financial indicators. Further, the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the new RESCoop activities are evaluated in terms of CO2 equivalent savings compared to fossil fuel solutions and new job creation, respectively. This detailed analysis highlights the potential for sustainable bioenergy integration and provides valuable insights for similar initiatives aiming to diversify and enhance sustainable energy practices in local communities.