Bamboo for Europe

Context

The project “Bamboo for Europe” aims at assessing the implantation and utilization of several temperate species of bamboo in intensive crops located in the south of Europe. The main objectives are the industrial (building, architecture, etc.) and energy (carbonization, gasification, etc.) utilization of this biomass in Europe.

Objectives

Within the framework of this project, the Department studies four topics :
- the possibilities of harvesting these bamboo species in a mechanical way ;
- the methods of post-harvesting treatment while respecting the environment ;
- the aspects relating to the production of “green” energy ;
- the economic aspects in relation with these three topics.

Description of tasks

Harvesting mechanization
For a big scale utilization of bamboo, the European industry must consider the use of mechanization for most bringing into play and preparation of this material. The Department considers two ways of harvesting : on the one hand, harvesting in the form of chips and, on the other hand, the harvesting in the form of entire culms. The analysis of these different methods includes the study of the crop’s physical qualities (thickness, harvesting period, etc.), the adaptability of existing (agricultural and forest) harvesting machines and the transformation of the material harvested.

Post-harvesting treatments
As wood, bamboo is not likely to be used directly after having been harvested ; it is the reason why a thorough study of the preservation means before transformation is necessary. This study will allow to assess the necessity and methods of treatment of the harvested bamboo.

Production of “green” energy
Bamboo can be considered as a proper fuel. Whether raw or converted, it is interesting to assess its energy qualities. The installations of the Department are used to this end.

Socio-economic and financial study
Each task goes together with a financial and economic evaluation allowing to choose amongst the solutions that will come out from the different surveys. The social impact is also analysed.

Results obtained

The project first carries out a synthesis of bamboo harvesting and identifies the possible species for Europe. Models of a bamboo crop management used at energy end are suggested.

The necessary equipment for the carrying out of the different steps of bamboo harvesting is assessed in a qualitative and quantitative way. The costs linked to the utilization of this equipment are also assessed (plantation, maintenance, harvesting, transportation, storage and drying).

At last, the physico-chemical properties of bamboo species selected by the project are analysed and different possibilities of energy utilization of the bamboo are proposed (mainly pyrolysis and combustion).

Contribution

Agricultural Research Centre-Walloonia (Gembloux) – Farming systems Unit for ultimate analyses (C, H, O, N).

Partners

Oprins Plant nv (Belgium) ; Cobelgal (Portugal) ; Centra da Biomassa para a Energia , CBE (Portugal) ; Prof. Dr. W. Liese (Germany) ; Mr. V. Mauzit (France)