Energetic and water cost related to the cultivation of energy crops: a case study in Tuscany region (central Italy)

The possibility of using biomass as a source of energy in reducing green-house gas emissions is a matter of great interest. The aim of this work was to illustrate the potential production of energy from sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and maize (Zea mais) cultivated with different water and fertilization supplies in set-aside areas of Tuscany (Central Italy). The relationships between energy and water in the production of bioethanol (maize) and pure vegetable oil (sunflower) were analysed to evaluate the sustainability of energy production, taking into consideration energy demand of Tuscany region. Moreover the specific aims of this study were to quantify the impact of the potential production of biofuels in term of energy and water consumption. A 50 years climatic series of 19 weather stations scattered in Tuscany region was used to feed a crop model for the simulation of crop production, water requirement and cultivation techniques.