In this paper the possible use of heat surplus from a biomass-fired cogeneration unit,
for treating a share of the biomass and produce a new and more performing fuel like pellet, is
proposed and discussed. Such a fuel could be easily stored and then distributed, for a more
widespread and diffused utilization close to the consumers, for heating purposes. This form of
energy storage makes time and geographical shift of heat utilization possible, also in small-scale
applications. A technical-economical comparison is carried out and discussed between the above
mentioned system and a district heating supplied by a traditional biomass boiler, or a
conventional chip-fired cogeneration plant without pellets production.
The paper also focuses on the opportunities and challenges deriving from the energy use of a
specific biomass resource: olive pomace. The technical feasibility and the economical profitability
of different plant solutions are investigated.
To a methodological contribution, related to the description and modeling of the proposed
conversion processes, some case-studies are joined, based on efficiencies and costs suggested by
the most recent literature and field tests