Summary

The region of Ilia is a major olive growing region in Greece with more than 1 million olive trees. The residues from harvesting olives for oil production, which is more than 20 thousand tonnes per year, are destroyed or remain unused. Though burning of the residues is banned due to environment risks, it is still a common practice. This raw material could instead be used as an environmentally friendly source of fuel. 

LEADER support helped set up a biofuel production unit that processes olive residues. The financial support was used to buy the necessary machinery and equipment. Specifically, the company set up a complete line for producing and packaging biofuel (PELLET). There the raw material is cut, crushed, dried, pressed and finally weighed and packaged. The biofuel pellets are packed in bags but are also available in bulk. The capacity of the plant amounts to 700 kg per hour; around 5 400 tonnes of raw material produce around 4 000 tonnes of product. The company’s advanced plans are to place its product on both the internal and external markets. 

Results

The production and use of the biofuel in the region is having a positive impact on the environment and is making good use of an otherwise unused material. 

The pellet production unit is generating significant economic benefits for olive farmers who are paid for collecting and delivering their raw material.

Moreover, six jobs were created.