The Potential of Sunflower Crop By-products for Bioenergy Production in Romania

Circular economy principles applied to agriculture sector enhances efficiency by closing production loops, where agricultural byproducts or waste are transformed into valuable inputs for new processes. Transforming byproducts into energy or raw materials can substantially reduce the reliance on natural resources, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster a more sustainable economy that balances environmental well-being with economic stability. In this context, this study is focused on assessing the energy potential of sunflower residues in Romania. The analysis highlighted the regional variability of cultivated area, production and yield in sunflower crops. The maximum biomass potential of the sunflower crop residues at national level was 6,221 kilotonnes, and the maximum energy potential was 102,958 TJ.