Erbaceous Coltural Systems

Module Biomass crops for energy production

The course aims at providing knowledge concerning the rational management of biomass crops for energy and the agroenergy supply chains for the production of thermoelectric power, biogas, bioethanol, and biodiesel.

At the end of the course, students will acquire the following skills.

• Knowledge and understanding: necessary skills in the agronomic techniques of the main biomass crops for the Mediterranean environment, and in the main bioconversion processes for the production of renewable energy and non-energy products within a circular economy perspective.
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to apply knowledge to the development of an agroenergy supply chain: legislation, biomass sourcing, logistics, transformation processes, transformation plant, end use, sustainability.
• Independent judgment: ability to evaluate the energy, environmental, economic, and social feasibility of a bioenergy supply chain
• Communication skills: develop the ability to describe the main characteristics of bioenergy supply chains
• Learning skills: ability to undertake advanced studies with a high degree of autonomy

Lectures (21 hours), other activities, such as practical exercises, laboratory visits, group work, field teaching experiences (42 hours).

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to acquire basic knowledge (main units of measurement used in bioenergy supply chains) and improve the ability to apply this knowledge through classroom exercises, group work, or case studies regarding the cultivation techniques of the main biomass crops, their bioconversion, and end-use.

1. Textbook: Lo sviluppo delle colture energetiche in Italia. Il contributo dei progetti di

ricerca SUSCACE e FAESI, a cura di Luigi Pari. ISBN: 978-88-6134-730-4.

2. Texts provided by the teacher

Learning assessment is conducted through an oral exam. Students’ preparation will be assessed based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and present, and the student's reasoning ability.

The grading scheme is as follows:

Failed

Knowledge and understanding of topic: Significant deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of topic: At threshold level. Obvious imperfections.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Barely adequate.

Use of references: Barely appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of topic: Sufficient knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are logical and coherent.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of topic: Good knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. Arguments are expressed coherently.

Use of references: Uses standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has excellent analysis and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Has studied the topics in depth.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has excellent analysis and synthesis skills.

Use of references: Important in-depth information.

• Describe Arundo donax propagation methods and cultivation practices.
• Identify the potential energy uses of a sugar/starch crop.
• Identify the oilseed crop best suited to Sicilian soil and climate conditions.
• Describe the cultivation's agronomic techniques and possible end uses based on the harvested biomass.
• Classify biomass crops based on the harvestable product and their end uses.
• Describe the legislation regarding energy from renewable sources.
• Describe the concept of sustainability.