Possibilities of Using Solid Biomass for Covering the Heating Needs in Hospitals in Crete, Greece

Abstract

The possibility of heating two large hospitals in Crete, Greece utilizing locally produced solid biomass has been investigated. Olive kernel wood is produced in Crete as a byproduct of the olive processing industry and it is an excellent renewable fuel. It is currently used for heat generation replacing heating and fuel oil. Use of solid biomass for heat generation is a mature and reliable technology resulting in the mitigation of the greenhouse effect. Cost analysis estimations regarding the replacement of heating oil with olive kernel wood for heating two large hospitals in Crete have shown that the investment is very attractive. The required capital investment for the installation of new biomass boilers in the hospitals has been estimated at 1.7-2.1 mil. €. Replacement of the heating oil with olive kernel wood would result in annual savings of 1963 – 2328 € per bed. Annual CO₂ emissions savings due to the use of renewable fuel have been calculated at 8.8-10.4 kg CO₂ per bed. Realization of such energy investments in hospitals could be obtained with public-private partnerships and the financial support of energy service companies.