The heating sector is responsible for almost half of the EUs total energy consumption and still heavily relies on fossil fuels. Therefor the penetration of renewable energy resources as a base of heating systems along with a widespread deployment of renewable energy heating technologies is essential for achieving the decarbonisation objectives set by Romania and by the EU in general._x000D_
Given the generous resources, particularly in the rural areas, it is essential to accelerate the market uptake of biomass in the heating sector of Romania. Around 25% of the Romanian population suffers from energy poverty due to the used heating systems, firewood being the main energy source for heating in the rural area. Under these circumstances, we argue that community-based heating systems built on regionally sourced biomass could tackle the energy poverty of rural areas, particularly since the available agricultural waste might be a sustainable alternative both to natural gas and firewood. _x000D_
In this study we focus on Romania and aim to get a deeper insight on the state of the art in the agrobiomass sector and the attitude of targeted communities towards new resources and technology, as lack of awareness and low social acceptance can be barriers in the implementation of renewable energy initiatives. _x000D_
The main objective is to investigate whether agrobiomass could be an efficient resource to tackle the problem of energy poverty in the rural areas of emerging countries. To achieve our objective we conducted a survey and applied a questionnaire addressed to the rural population of a NUTS 2 level area. We have complemented our research with the assessment of existing examples of community-based heating systems based on sustainable biomass._x000D_
The key findings of the survey can be useful for the national/regional strategic programming documents in order to take well founded policy measures for the promotion of agrobiomass heating projects. _x000D_
Sebestyén Tihamér-Tibor, Havadi-Nagy Kinga Xénia, Török Ibolya, Mátyus Enikő
Babes-Bolyai University,
ID Abstract: 396