Techno-economic Analysis of the Olive Oil Mills Waste Valorisation for Energy Production: A Case Study of Corfu

Abstract

Olive oil production in Greece is undoubtedly linked to its history and tradition. However, large quantities of by-products are produced (with the olive oil production) which are harmful to the environment. Those environmental problems are a result of the chemical composition of the waste and its high organic load. This intense phenomenon has led to the exploration and development of methods and technolog0ies for the treatment of olive mill waste. One of the methods used is the biogas production through anaerobic digestion and its subsequent disposal for energy production. This method could be particularly appealing to the Greek islands so that there is their energy dependence from the mainland. A typical example is the island of Corfu as the problem of waste from olive oil mills is intense and its energy demands are increased. Therefore, energy production via anaerobic digestion could greatly contribute to overcoming the current situation. The purpose of this study is to design a central power plant, which is fed by biogas, produced by the anaerobic digestion of the waste oil mills in Corfu and to present various economic data regarding its construction and operation.