Potential of utilizing agricultural biomass for energy purposes within public-private partnerships

The paper presents a proposal for forming public-private partnerships in small towns or villages in Serbia, in order to use potential of renewable energy sources, help local economy and, possibly, help preventing village withering. The project comprises construction of thermal plants at the periphery of a small town or a village, fueled by baled biomass form neighboring fields, together with a small industrial zone next to it. The industrial facilities would include storage and processing of agricultural products. The operation of the industrial zone should be organized in a way that the plant is used for heating and industrial purposes alternately. An example of such heating facility is presented here, accompanied by a basic economic analysis.