Procjena potencijala brzorastućih nasada u Republici Hrvatskoj: Primjer razultata u sklopu FP7 projekta Biomass energy Europe

The overall objective of the FP7 Biomass Energy Europe – BEE project is to improve the accuracy and comparability of future biomass resource assessments for energy by reducing heterogeneity, increasing harmonisation and exchanging knowledge. One of the main results within the project is the development of the Methods Handbook for biomass potential assessment, which contains detailed description of the proposed methodology based on type of biomass and type of analysis (statistical, spatially explicit, integrated and others). The main objective of the Illustration case for Croatia performed within the BEE project is to estimate the energy and technical potential of fast-growing broadleaved species energy plantations on abandoned land or on land where agricultural production is not profitable. The methodology utilised is based on the BEE Methods Handbook. The main source of data used is contained within the Basic pedological map of the Republic Croatia, which forms the basis for the estimation of soil suitability for any kind of designated utilization. The theoretical potential for short rotation energy crops production in Croatia was estimated as following: • Forest area suitable for energy crops – a total of 51 200 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing in total 470 200 t DM/y or 8,7 PJ • Agricultural areas with moderately suitable soils and limited soil suitability – a total of 617 000 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing a total of 7 404 000 t DM/y or 136,2 PJ The technical potential for short rotation energy crops production in Croatia was estimated as following: • Forest area suitable for energy crops – a total of 46 850 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing in total 430 000 t DM/y or 7,9 PJ • Agricultural areas with moderately suitable soils and limited soil suitability – a total of 235 650 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing a total of 2 827 800 t DM/y or 52,1 PJ In spite of the considerable potential for short rotation energy crops production, currently a very small amount of the available area is utilised in Croatia. The issues and problems to be addressed in order to increase this production include a change in policy approach, especially aimed at small landowners, introduction of incentives and subsidies, lack of knowledge and experience in growing energy crops and generally a lack of cooperation between relevant stakeholders.Osnovni cilj projekta FP7 Biomass Energy Europe – BEE je poboljšati točnost i mogućnost usporedbe budućih procjena potencijala biomase za proizvodnju energije, uz smanjenje heterogenosti, povećanje harmoniziranosti te razmjenu znanja. Jedan od glavnih rezultata projekta je razvoj priručnika (handbook) o metodologijama za procjenu potencijala biomase, koji sadrži detaljan opis predložene metodologije u ovisnosti o vrsti biomase i tipu analize (statistički, prostorno eksplicitni, integrirani i drugi). Glavni cilj Ilustrativnog primjera (Illustration Case) za Hrvatsku, a koji je proveden u sklopu BEE projekta, je izvršiti procjenu potencijala brzorastućih nasada na napuštenom zemljištu, odnosno zemljištu gdje poljoprivredna proizvodnja nije profitabilna. Korištena metodologija u skladu je s priručnikom razvijenim u BEE projektu. Osnovni izvor podataka sadržan je u Pedološkoj karti Hrvatske, koja je predstavljala osnovu za procjenu prikladnosti tla za bilo koju vrstu primjene. Teoretski potencijal brzorastućih nasada u Hrvatskoj procijenjen je na sljedeće iznose: • Površina šuma i šumskog zemljišta prikladnog za brzorastuće nasade: ukupno 51 200 ha, ukupna proizvodnja 470 200 t suhe tvari godišnje, odnosno 8,7 PJ • Površina poljoprivrednog zemljišta sa srednje prikladnim i neprikladnim tlom – ukupno 617 000 ha, ukupna proizvodnja 7 404 000 t suhe tvari godišnje, odnosno 136,2 PJ. Tehnički potencijal brzorastućih nasada u Hrvatskoj procijenjen je na sljedeće iznose: • Površina šuma i šumskog zemljišta prikladnog za brzorastuće nasade: ukupno 46 850 ha, ukupna proizvodnja 430 000 t suhe tvari godišnje, odnosno 7,9 PJ • Površina poljoprivrednog zemljišta sa srednje prikladnim i neprikladnim tlom – ukupno 235 650 ha, ukupna proizvodnja 2 827 800 t suhe tvari godišnje, odnosno 52,1 PJ. Unatoč značajnom potencijalu brzorastućih nasada, trenutno se koristi vrlo mali iznos raspoložive površine. Problemi i prepreke koje je potrebno ukloniti kako bi se iskorištavanje brzorastućih nasada povećalo, uključuje promjene u cjelopnoj politici, posebice prema malim zemljoposjednicima, uvođenje financijskih poticaja, nedostatak znanja i iskustva u uzgoju brzorastućih nasada te općenito nedostatak suradnje između relevantnih dionika

ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEQUELLEN UND ENERGETISCHE WIRKSAMKEIT. EINE UMFRAGE ZU EINSTELLUNGEN UND MEINUNGEN DER BEVÖLKERUNG VON ZAGREB UND RIJEKA

U članku se iznose rezultati anketnog istraživanja stavova i mišljenja o obnovljivim izvorima i energetskoj efikasnosti, provedenog u ljeto 2003. godine na slučajnom uzorku od 1500 stanovnika Zagreba (900) i Rijeke (600). Višekriterijska usporedba različitih izvora energije pokazuje da se obnovljivi izvori smatraju povoljnijima za okoliš, sigurnijima, jeftinijima i važnijima za energetsku nezavisnost Hrvatske, dok se za neobnovljive izvore procjenjuje da daju više energije i više doprinose lokalnoj zajednici. Ispitanici iskazuju izrazitu sklonost obnovljivim izvorima (85% smatra da bi ih u Hrvatskoj trebalo koristiti više nego danas) i znatnu spremnost da njihovu većem korištenju i sami doprinesu. Dvije trećine ispitanika spremno je plaćati nešto veću cijenu električne energije iz obnovljivih izvora. Biodizel bi kupovali gotovi svi koji ga mogu koristiti za pogon svojih vozila, pri čemu ga je četvrtina spremna platiti nešto skuplje, a 14% kupovalo bi ga samo kad bi bio nešto jeftiniji od standardnog dizela. Velika većina (84%) ispitanika spremna je sudjelovati u prikupljanju otpadnog ulje radi proizvodnje biodizela. Među različitim mjerama za poticanje štednje energije većina ispitanika nije spremna podržati jedino uvođenje ekološkog poreza da kućanstva. Prema mišljenju velike većine ispitanika (92%), u razvoju energetskog sektora u Hrvatskoj prednost treba dati onim izvorima energije koji imaju najmanji negativan utjecaj na okoliš, čak i uz pretpostavku da je energija iz njih skuplja.The paper presents results of the research of attitudes and opinions on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The research was conducted in summer 2003, on random sample of 1500 residents of two Croatian urban centers, Zagreb (900) and Rijeka (600). Multi-criterion assessment of various energy sources shows that renewable sources are perceived to be better for the environment, safer, cheaper and more important for national self-reliance in energy supply, while non-renewable sources are ranked higher regarding energy abundance and various positive economic affects. Attitude towards renewable sources are extremely favorable - 85% of the respondents believe that Croatia should rely more on those sources. Considerable willingness for personal contribution to higher use of renewable sources is expressed as well: two thirds of the respondents are willing to pay more for green power, and virtually all those who use diesel fuel are willing to buy biodiesel. The majority of respondents (84%) are also willing to collect waste oil in their households for biodiesel production. Support for various energy conservation measures is also high, except for the introduction of environmental tax for households. Great majority of the respondents (92%) share opinion that future development of energy sector in Croatia should rely on the least environmentally threatening sources, even if it assumes higher energy price.Im vorliegenden Artikel werden die Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zu den Einstellungen und Meinungen über die erneuerbaren Energiequellen und die energetische Wirksamkeit dargestellt, die im Sommer 2003 an einer Stichprobe von 1500 Personen (900 in Zagreb und 600 in Rijeka) durchgeführt wurde. Die mehreren Kriterien folgende Einschätzung unterschiedlicher Energiequellen zeigt, dass die erneuerbaren Energiequellen als umweltfreundlich angesehen werden und dass sie für eine energetische Selbständigkeit Kroatiens sicherer, billiger und am wichtigsten sind. Für die nicht-erneuerbaren Energiequellen wird hingegen behauptet, dass sie mehr Energie geben und besser zur lokalen Gemeinschaft beitragen. Die Befragten zeigen eine ausgesprochene Vorliebe für erneuerbare Quellen (85% der Befragten glaubt, dass diese Quellen in Kroatien in einem größeren Ausmaß benützt werden müssten, als es heute der Fall ist) sowie eine größere Bereitschaft, diese Quellen auch selbst zu benützen. Zwei Drittel der Befragten erklärte sich bereit, einen um Einiges höheren Preis für den elektrischen Strom aus erneuerbaren Energiequellen zu zahlen. Fast alle Befragten würden den BioBDiesel kaufen, wobei ein Viertel der Befragten auch ein bisschen mehr zahlen würde, und 14% der Befragten würde ihn kaufen, nur wenn er um Einiges billiger als Standard-Diesel wäre. Die meisten Befragten (84%) erklärte sich bereit, am Sammeln von Abfallöl zwecks Herstellung von BioBDiesel teilzunehmen. Was die verschiedenen Maßnahmen zur Förderung des Energiesparens betrifft, sprachen sich die meisten Befragten gegen die Einführung von ÖkoBSteuern aus. 92% aller Befragten sind der Meinung, dass bei der Entwicklung des energetischen Sektors in Kroatien jene Energiequellen bevorzugt werden müssten, deren Einfluss auf die Umwelt am wenigsten negativ ist, sogar unter der Voraussetzung, dass die aus ihnen gewonnene Energie teurer wäre

INFORMIERTHEIT ÜBER ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEQUELLEN UND ENERGETISCHE WIRKSAMKEIT

U članku se prezentiraju neki rezultati anketnog istraživanja, provedenog ljeti 2003. godine na uzorku od 1500 ispitanika iz Zagreba (900) i Rijeke (600), koji se odnose na informiranost o proizvodnji energije i njezinu utjecaju na okoliš, proizvodnji i potrošnji energije u Hrvatskoj te - najvećim dijelom - energiji biomase. Istraživački projekt realiziran je suradnjom Energetskog instituta Hrvoje Požar, Zavoda za sociologiju Filozofskog fakulteta u Zagrebu i nevladine organizacije Eko Liburnia. Informiranost je mjerena na dva načina: subjektivnom procjenom samih ispitanika te objektivnim testom konstruiranim za potrebe projekta. Analiza metrijskih karakteristika testa pokazuje da je riječ o instrumentu koji je težinom primjeren općoj populaciji, a distribucija na njemu dobivenih rezultata pogodna je za korelacijske i slične analize. No, instrument je razmjerno heterogen i nešto niže pouzdanosti (KRB20=0.57), što - uz manje modifikacije nekih čestica - predstavlja prostor njegova poboljšanja u idućim primjenama. I objektivni test i skale subjektivne informiranosti pokazuju slabu informiranost ispitanika koja se izražava već na razini razumijevanja temeljnih pojmova, osobito kada je riječ o korištenju energije biomase. U zaključnom dijelu rada ukazuje se na potrebu boljeg informiranja javnosti - što je nužan preduvjet njezine racionalne podrške većem korištenju obnovljivih izvora - te se komentiraju rezultati istraživanja koje bi bilo korisno uvažiti pri koncipiranju i provedbi budućih edukacijskih programa.Paper presents results of a survey research of knowledge regarding environmental impact of energy production, energy production and consumption in Croatia, and renewable energy sources (with focus on biomass). Research was conducted in summer 2003 on random sample of 1500 respondents from two Croatian urban centers - Zagreb and Rijeka, with collaboration of Energy institute Hrvoje Požar, Sociology Department of Zagreb Faculty of Philosophy and NGO Eko Liburnia. The knowledge was measured using self-assessment scales and objective test. The test - being a pioneering attempt in objective measurement of renewable energy sources knowledge in Croatia - shows to be of appropriate overall difficulty for general population, and distribution of results is suitable for correlation analysis and other parametric tests. Possible improvements are concerning relatively low reliability (CRB20=0.57) and heterogeneity (four low correlated factors). Both the test and self-assessment scales indicate poor knowledge, even regarding most basic concepts, with the lowest results obtained on items measuring biomass energy knowledge. Since only well educated public can give rational support for the increased usage of renewable energy sources in Croatia, authors conclude that various education programs are needed and discuss some research results that should be respected in the development of such programs.Im vorliegenden Artikel werden einige Ergebnisse der an einer aus 1500 Personen bestehenden Stichprobe (900 in Zagreb und 600 in Rijeka) durchgeführten Umfrage dargestellt, die sich auf die Informiertheit über Energieherstellung und ihren Einfluss auf die Umwelt sowie auf die Herstellung und Nutzung der Energie in Kroatien und über die Biomassenenergie bezieht. Dieses Forschungsprojekt wurde vom Institut für Energetik "Hrvoje Požar", dem Institut für Soziologie an der Philosophischen Fakultät in Zagreb und der NGO Eko-Liburnia durchgeführt. Die Informiertheit wurde auf zwei Weisen gemessen: durch eine subjektive Einschätzung der Befragten und durch einen für das Projekt entworfenen objektiven Test. Die Analyse der metrischen Eigenschaften des Tests zeigt, dass es sich um ein Instrument handelt, das im Hinblick auf seine Komplexität eher für die allgemeine Bevölkerung angemessen ist, während die Verteilung der durch ihn gewonnenen Ergebnisse bei Korrelations- und ähnlichen Analysen verwendet werden kann. Das Instrument ist jedoch verhältnismäßig heterogen und weniger verlässlich (KRB20=0.57), was - neben kleineren Modifikationen in einigen Partikeln - einen Spielraum für Verbesserungen in künftigen Anwendungen darstellt. Sowohl der objektive Test als auch die Skalen der subjektiven Informiertheit weisen eine schwache Informiertheit der Befragten auf, die schon auf der Ebene des Verständnisses der Grundbegriffe zum Ausdruck kommt, besonders wenn es sich um die Nutzung von Biomassenenergie handelt. Im abschließenden Teil der Arbeit wird auf den Bedarf hingewiesen, die Öffentlichkeit besser zu informieren, damit sie sich für erneuerbare Energiequellen einsetzt. Es werden auch Ergebnisse der Befragung kommentiert, die bei der Planung und Durchführung künftiger Bildungsprogamme zu berücksichtigen wären

Critical Factors in Developing National Pellet Market

Kvaliteta sirovinskog potencijala, kao i tradicija u preradi drva te izraženi trendovi povećanja uporabe drvnih ostataka kao ekološkog i ob­novljivog materijala, imaju veliku ulogu u proširenju domaće industrije i trži­šta peleta. Iako ovisni o potražnji na tržištu i gospodarskoj isplativosti u odnosu na neobnovljive izvore energije, obnovljivi se izvori mogu i moraju početi bolje iskorištavati. Primjeri iz Austrije, Irske i Hrvatske ističu neke od ključnih čimbenika koji su utjecali na razvoj i stanje na tržištu peleta u tim zemljama. Na osnovi pregleda početnog i trenutačnog stanja i analize spome­nutih tržišta, u radu su definirani kritični čimbenici koji utječu na razvoj do­maćeg tržišta peleta. Kritični društveno-gospodarski čimbenici za razvoj nacionalnog tržišta peleta koji proizlaze iz predstavljenih analiza su: financij­ski poticaji, postojanje snažne drvno-prerađivačke industrije, strogi zahtjevi kvalitete na kotlove na pelete, uspostava djelotvornih mehanizama kontrole kvalitete za pelete, namjenski programi edukacije i certificiranje instalatera, povezivanje subvencija sa zahtjevima kvalitete za kotlove i certificiranjem in­stalatera, promotivne kampanje, poticanje nabave sustava grijanja na pelete za javne zgrade i razvoj poticaja za tvrtke koje pružaju energetske usluge.The quality of raw material, as well as tradition in wood pro­cessing and pronounced trends of increased use of wood residues as a renewa­ble and organic material play an important role in expansion of national pellet industry and market. Although dependent on market demand and eco­nomic feasibility in relation to non-renewable energy sources, renewable ene­rgy sources can and must be exploited in a better and more effective way. The use of wood pellets as fuel for domestic stoves and boilers and for co­firing in thermal power plants has been an amazing success story over the past 20 years. Socio-economic impact studies are commonly used to evaluate the local, regional and/or national implications of implementing particular development decisions. Typically, these impacts are measured in terms of eco­nomic variables, such as employment, revenue and taxes, but a complete ana­lysis must also include social, cultural and environmental issues. In many ways the social implications arising from local pellets production or any bioe­nergy activity represents the less clear and concrete end of impact studies; ne­vertheless they can be broken down into two categories: those relating to an increased standard of living and those that contribute to increased social co­hesion and stability. The primary instruments for the development of renewable energy technolo­gies across the world are international carbon reduction policy drivers. But the development of one type of technology over another on national, regional or local level is often a function of the intricate balance of socio-economic factors in that particular geographical location. The development of wood pellet mar­kets has been very strong in some coutries and almost non-existent in others. Based on these considerations, this paper is primarily focused on investiga­ting the critical socio-economic factors in developing national pellet markets. Examples from Austria, Ireland and Croatia highlight some of the key fac­tors that influenced the development and pellet market situation in these coun­tries. Based on initial review, current situation and analysis of these markets, this paper defines critical factors that influence development of national pellet market. Critical socio-economic factors for the development of national pellet market resulting from presented analysis are the following: • Financial incentives for investing in wood pellet heating rapidly increase uptake even when pellets are competitive with alternative fuels; • The existence of a strong sawmilling industry to provide, at least initially, a low cost and readily available source of raw material; • Stringent quality and sustainability requirements for pellet boilers with re­gard to emissions, efficiency and security – poor products can permanently damage the market, trigger serious environmental concerns and cause major functional problems;• • Establishment of effective quality control mechanisms for wood pellets. Establishment of national or international tracking systems that allow identification of the origin of pellets; • Dedicated educational programs and certification of installers establis­hing pellet heating systems.; • Linking of subsidies with quality requirements for boilers and certification of installers; • Procurement of wood pellet heating in public buildings to provide user confidence and to stimulate the supply chain; • Development of incentives for energy service companies to enter into the biomass heating market. In conclusion, looking at the overall situation regarding pellets production and utilisation a strong growth can be expected with political support at the EU level, playing a major role for the extension of the pellet industry into new member states in particular. The ambitious EU target of achieving 20 % of energy supply from renewable energy by the end of 2020 is impossible without dedicated policies to develop renewable heating. In addition, the on-going oil price rally and carbon dioxide reduction targets also encourage the expansion of the markets for pellets

CAN BIOMASS TRIGGER AN ENERGY-WISE TRANSITION IN CROATIA AND REST OF SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE?

Šumska biomasa predstavlja važan izvor energije, čijem bi se korištenju u budućnosti trebalo posvetiti znatno više pozornosti. Biomasa u svojim tradicionalnim oblicima je i dalje vrlo važan izvor energije u većini zemalje Jugoistočne Europe, te će u doglednoj budućnosti i dalje biti tako. Međutim, sve se više koristi ne samo za proizvodnju toplinske energije, već za proizvodnju električne i rashladne energije, i to se smatra kao važan dio energijske tranzicije koja je obećavajući model s visokim ekonomskim i ekološkim prednostima. Korištenje energije biomase pruža znatne mogućnosti za otvaranje novih radnih mjesta, te tako može imati znatan pozitivan utjecaj na lokalno i nacionalno gospodarstvo. U radu se opisuje trenutnu fazu energijske tranzicije u zemljama jugoistočne Europe ti ulogu šumske biomase u njegovoj provedbi. Analizirani su primjeri i događanja u Albaniji, Bosni i Hercegovini, Hrvatskoj, Makedoniji, Kosovu i Srbiji. Uporaba biomase kao energenta u ruralnim područjim, potiče stvaranje dodatnih prihoda, povećava proizvodnost te omogućava otvaranje malih seoskih poduzeća. Iz makroekonomske perspektiv, uporaba biomase doprinosi svim bitnim elementima razvoja zemalja jugoistočne Europe.Ključni pokretači, kao i prepreke na koje se može naići pri energijskoj tranziciji u jedinicama lokalne samouprave, mogu se strukturirati kao; poticaj iz potencijala, poticaj od tržišta korištenje trgovačkih i poslovnih veza, biti prvi ili lokalni ponos, zadržati novac kod kuće.U radu je prepoznat velii broj potencijalnih skupina prepreka za korištenje šumske biomase; gospodarska ograničenja, financijska ograničenja kao ozbiljna prepreka za mnoge lokalne samouprave, društvena ograničenja, ograničenja u ljudskim resursima, ograničenja zbog transparentnosti te na kraju tehnička ograničenja.Through the history of mankind, until the mid-19th century, biomass, particularly wood, represented the most important source of energy. In many countries of Europe, the awareness of the importance of forest biomass as fuel has been closely connected to the general understanding and the realization of own and world energetic situation. Forest biomass represents an important source of energy, whose use should be paid more attention to in the future. In its traditional forms, biomass is still a very significant source of energy in most countries of the southeast Europe and it will continue to be so in the near future. However, it is more and more used not just for thermal energy production, but also for the production of electric and cooling energy which is considered as an important part of the energetic transition which is a promising model with high economic and ecological advantages. The use of biomass energy offers significant possibilities for opening new jobs, thus having a significant positive impact on the local and national economy. This paper describes the present stage of the energetic transition in the south-eastern European countries and the role of forest biomass in its implementation. Examples and events in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia are analysed. Rural development projects as well as the use of bioenergy biomass has a great potential for income generation, increase of productivity and opening of small village companies. From the macroeconomic perspective, the use of biomass contributes to all the important elements in the development of the south-eastern European countries.Key drivers as well as the obstacles which can be encountered in the energetic transition in local government units can be structured as follows; potential stimulus, refers to the most south-eastern European countries regarding their significant afforestation and forest biomass potential, market stimulus due to cost-effective accessible plants and equipment for biomass, as well as the adequate support of manufacturing firms, the use of commercial and business connections: where most of biomass trades among the south-eastern European countries and EU is carried out in integration with the forest product trade, to be first or the local pride, is an important driver in the south-eastern European countries to keep money at home is another important link with the positive perception in the use of the forest biomass. The paper recognised a significant number of potential groups of obstacles for using the forest biomass; economic limitations more favourable price of the forest biomass energy in relation to fossil fuels, financial limitations as a serious obstacle for each form of the renewable energy, social limitations are very specific for each form of the renewable energy, human resource limitations since most local governments do not have sufficient human potential, limitations due to transparency are a very frequent problem, primarily depends on the democratic power, technical limitations mostly belong to the fact that most of the equipment for using renewable energy sources and the increase in energetic efficiency from the import, has not been produced on the local level

Critical Factors in Developing National Pellet Market

Kvaliteta sirovinskog potencijala, kao i tradicija u preradi drva te izraženi trendovi povećanja uporabe drvnih ostataka kao ekološkog i ob­novljivog materijala, imaju veliku ulogu u proširenju domaće industrije i trži­šta peleta. Iako ovisni o potražnji na tržištu i gospodarskoj isplativosti u odnosu na neobnovljive izvore energije, obnovljivi se izvori mogu i moraju početi bolje iskorištavati. Primjeri iz Austrije, Irske i Hrvatske ističu neke od ključnih čimbenika koji su utjecali na razvoj i stanje na tržištu peleta u tim zemljama. Na osnovi pregleda početnog i trenutačnog stanja i analize spome­nutih tržišta, u radu su definirani kritični čimbenici koji utječu na razvoj do­maćeg tržišta peleta. Kritični društveno-gospodarski čimbenici za razvoj nacionalnog tržišta peleta koji proizlaze iz predstavljenih analiza su: financij­ski poticaji, postojanje snažne drvno-prerađivačke industrije, strogi zahtjevi kvalitete na kotlove na pelete, uspostava djelotvornih mehanizama kontrole kvalitete za pelete, namjenski programi edukacije i certificiranje instalatera, povezivanje subvencija sa zahtjevima kvalitete za kotlove i certificiranjem in­stalatera, promotivne kampanje, poticanje nabave sustava grijanja na pelete za javne zgrade i razvoj poticaja za tvrtke koje pružaju energetske usluge.The quality of raw material, as well as tradition in wood pro­cessing and pronounced trends of increased use of wood residues as a renewa­ble and organic material play an important role in expansion of national pellet industry and market. Although dependent on market demand and eco­nomic feasibility in relation to non-renewable energy sources, renewable ene­rgy sources can and must be exploited in a better and more effective way. The use of wood pellets as fuel for domestic stoves and boilers and for co­firing in thermal power plants has been an amazing success story over the past 20 years. Socio-economic impact studies are commonly used to evaluate the local, regional and/or national implications of implementing particular development decisions. Typically, these impacts are measured in terms of eco­nomic variables, such as employment, revenue and taxes, but a complete ana­lysis must also include social, cultural and environmental issues. In many ways the social implications arising from local pellets production or any bioe­nergy activity represents the less clear and concrete end of impact studies; ne­vertheless they can be broken down into two categories: those relating to an increased standard of living and those that contribute to increased social co­hesion and stability. The primary instruments for the development of renewable energy technolo­gies across the world are international carbon reduction policy drivers. But the development of one type of technology over another on national, regional or local level is often a function of the intricate balance of socio-economic factors in that particular geographical location. The development of wood pellet mar­kets has been very strong in some coutries and almost non-existent in others. Based on these considerations, this paper is primarily focused on investiga­ting the critical socio-economic factors in developing national pellet markets. Examples from Austria, Ireland and Croatia highlight some of the key fac­tors that influenced the development and pellet market situation in these coun­tries. Based on initial review, current situation and analysis of these markets, this paper defines critical factors that influence development of national pellet market. Critical socio-economic factors for the development of national pellet market resulting from presented analysis are the following: • Financial incentives for investing in wood pellet heating rapidly increase uptake even when pellets are competitive with alternative fuels; • The existence of a strong sawmilling industry to provide, at least initially, a low cost and readily available source of raw material; • Stringent quality and sustainability requirements for pellet boilers with re­gard to emissions, efficiency and security – poor products can permanently damage the market, trigger serious environmental concerns and cause major functional problems;• • Establishment of effective quality control mechanisms for wood pellets. Establishment of national or international tracking systems that allow identification of the origin of pellets; • Dedicated educational programs and certification of installers establis­hing pellet heating systems.; • Linking of subsidies with quality requirements for boilers and certification of installers; • Procurement of wood pellet heating in public buildings to provide user confidence and to stimulate the supply chain; • Development of incentives for energy service companies to enter into the biomass heating market. In conclusion, looking at the overall situation regarding pellets production and utilisation a strong growth can be expected with political support at the EU level, playing a major role for the extension of the pellet industry into new member states in particular. The ambitious EU target of achieving 20 % of energy supply from renewable energy by the end of 2020 is impossible without dedicated policies to develop renewable heating. In addition, the on-going oil price rally and carbon dioxide reduction targets also encourage the expansion of the markets for pellets

Analysis of Applicability of RELAP5 Mathematical Model for Cold Shutdown Conditions

Eksperiment ISP38 proveden u integralnom eksperimentalnom postrojenju BETHSY proračunat je upotrebom termohidrauličkog računalnog programa RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma. Eksperiment simulira gubitak sustava za odvođenje ostatne topline kad se elektrana nalazi u stanju hladne obustave, a otvoreni su otvori za održavanje tlačnika i parogeneratora. Proračun je napravljen s dva modela (nodalizacije) od kojih je prvi razvijen za stariju verziju RELAP5/MOD2 i prerađen za novu verziju, a drugi, znatno detaljniji, je razvijen za verziju RELAP5/MOD3.2.2. Provedena je analiza dobivenih rezultata te je nakon toga dana kvalitativna i kvantitativna ocjena točnosti rezultata. Identificirani su ključni dijelovi modela koji imaju znatan utjecaj na rezultate te se ispitao utjecaj načina modeliranja tih dijelova na rezultate. Na kraju je ocijenjena primjenjivost modela na odgovarajuće analize sigurnosti NE Krško.The experiment ISP38 performed in the BETHSY integral test facility was calculated using the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma code. The experiment simulates the loss of the residual heat removal system (RHR) with the plant in cold shutdown conditions and with the pressurizer and steam generator manways open. Two calculations were performed, the first using an older nodalization developed for the RELAP/MOD2 version of the code, which was modified for use with the newer version, the second using a much more detailed nodalization developed for the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2 version. An analysis of the results was performed, after which it was possible to give a qualitative and quantitative accuracy evaluation of the results. Several parts of the facility were identified as important in determining the results, and several sensitivity study runs were made to evaluate the impact of changing the modeling approach of the selected parts. At the end, the applicability of the model for performing safety analysis calculations for NPP Krško was evaluated

Analysis of Applicability of RELAP5 Mathematical Model for Cold Shutdown Conditions

Eksperiment ISP38 proveden u integralnom eksperimentalnom postrojenju BETHSY proračunat je upotrebom termohidrauličkog računalnog programa RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma. Eksperiment simulira gubitak sustava za odvođenje ostatne topline kad se elektrana nalazi u stanju hladne obustave, a otvoreni su otvori za održavanje tlačnika i parogeneratora. Proračun je napravljen s dva modela (nodalizacije) od kojih je prvi razvijen za stariju verziju RELAP5/MOD2 i prerađen za novu verziju, a drugi, znatno detaljniji, je razvijen za verziju RELAP5/MOD3.2.2. Provedena je analiza dobivenih rezultata te je nakon toga dana kvalitativna i kvantitativna ocjena točnosti rezultata. Identificirani su ključni dijelovi modela koji imaju znatan utjecaj na rezultate te se ispitao utjecaj načina modeliranja tih dijelova na rezultate. Na kraju je ocijenjena primjenjivost modela na odgovarajuće analize sigurnosti NE Krško.The experiment ISP38 performed in the BETHSY integral test facility was calculated using the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma code. The experiment simulates the loss of the residual heat removal system (RHR) with the plant in cold shutdown conditions and with the pressurizer and steam generator manways open. Two calculations were performed, the first using an older nodalization developed for the RELAP/MOD2 version of the code, which was modified for use with the newer version, the second using a much more detailed nodalization developed for the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2 version. An analysis of the results was performed, after which it was possible to give a qualitative and quantitative accuracy evaluation of the results. Several parts of the facility were identified as important in determining the results, and several sensitivity study runs were made to evaluate the impact of changing the modeling approach of the selected parts. At the end, the applicability of the model for performing safety analysis calculations for NPP Krško was evaluated

Analysis of Applicability of RELAP5 Mathematical Model for Cold Shutdown Conditions

Eksperiment ISP38 proveden u integralnom eksperimentalnom postrojenju BETHSY proračunat je upotrebom termohidrauličkog računalnog programa RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma. Eksperiment simulira gubitak sustava za odvođenje ostatne topline kad se elektrana nalazi u stanju hladne obustave, a otvoreni su otvori za održavanje tlačnika i parogeneratora. Proračun je napravljen s dva modela (nodalizacije) od kojih je prvi razvijen za stariju verziju RELAP5/MOD2 i prerađen za novu verziju, a drugi, znatno detaljniji, je razvijen za verziju RELAP5/MOD3.2.2. Provedena je analiza dobivenih rezultata te je nakon toga dana kvalitativna i kvantitativna ocjena točnosti rezultata. Identificirani su ključni dijelovi modela koji imaju znatan utjecaj na rezultate te se ispitao utjecaj načina modeliranja tih dijelova na rezultate. Na kraju je ocijenjena primjenjivost modela na odgovarajuće analize sigurnosti NE Krško.The experiment ISP38 performed in the BETHSY integral test facility was calculated using the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2gamma code. The experiment simulates the loss of the residual heat removal system (RHR) with the plant in cold shutdown conditions and with the pressurizer and steam generator manways open. Two calculations were performed, the first using an older nodalization developed for the RELAP/MOD2 version of the code, which was modified for use with the newer version, the second using a much more detailed nodalization developed for the RELAP5/MOD3.2.2 version. An analysis of the results was performed, after which it was possible to give a qualitative and quantitative accuracy evaluation of the results. Several parts of the facility were identified as important in determining the results, and several sensitivity study runs were made to evaluate the impact of changing the modeling approach of the selected parts. At the end, the applicability of the model for performing safety analysis calculations for NPP Krško was evaluated