The
expected shortage of fossil fuels coupled with its greenhouse gas
emissions have led to the search for alternate sources of energy.
Non-fossil fuel (uranium) like its fossil counterparts are
non-renewable i.e. they cannot be replenished within a short period of
time, besides having to deal with radioactive waste. On the other hand,
renewable sources can be replaced over a short time scale and appear to
show much promise in substituting fossil fuels. Biomass energy or
bioenergy, possibly the earliest form of energy known to humans, is one
such example.
So what is biomass and how can energy be extracted from it? For
starters, biomass is organic non-fossil material such as agricultural
residue, cow dung, urban or rural organic waste etc. During the process
of photosynthesis energy is stored in plants and this is the energy
that can be extracted. Biomass in dry form can be burnt to produce heat
(steam) or electricity. Wet biomass can generate biogas (cooking) and
biofuels (transportation) through biochemical processes.
Benefits and drawbacks
Enviromentally bioenergy does not add to the carbon dioxide level but
rather returns the carbon that was absorbed by plants during their
lifetime. Other pollutants are also reduced compared to fossil fuel
emissions. Another benefit results from energy derived from urban,
rural and industrial bio-waste that otherwise would not been consumed.
On the negative
side, biomass can cause indoor pollution if used improperly that in
turn can lead to harmful health effects. Another drawback may be the
shortage of biomass due to seasonal changes, drought or other such
factors. In such situations dependence on a hybrid resource - biomass +
solar or another is recommended.
Role of the Indian government
Established by the Government of India in 1992, the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (
MNES)
covers the country's renewable energy sector. Of the various programs
under its direction, the biomass sector has been projected to play a
vital role in the long term fuel mix of the country. The driving force
behind this proposition is to guarantee energy security in villages
where over 70% of India's population reside and engage mostly in
agricultural activity.
A framework of policy measures and
initiatives has being laid down by the ministry to further development
of technologies and promote public awareness in the usage of bioenergy.
Financial and fiscal incentives are also being proposed for biomass
power generation.
Examples of biomass power
Here are some places in India where the decentralised nature of biomass plants has been realized and implemented -
http://www.goodnewsindia.com/index.php/Magazine/story/biodiesel-chalbardi
http://www.desipower.com/field_experience/orchha.htm
AID involvement
AID as an organization could consider the bioenergy option as part its
overall development of villages. Ofcourse the pros and cons of such a
decision will need to be studied carefully vis-a-vis a holistic
approach. Are the policies and incentives provided by the government
conducive to set up and run biomass plants? Can the energy generated by
these plants also be used to supply power, in a viable manner, to local
small scale enterprises besides its primary goal for cooking, water
pumping and electricity? One possibilty would be to implement such
schemes within the existing project structure, say like the 100 block
plan, probably linking it with women's empowerment schemes.
In closing biomass and renewable sources of energy in general, offer
the hope of a sustainable and relatively clean energy resource. Let us
look to the future and realize this promise while simultaneously
ensuring a holistic development.
___________________________
The views and opinions expressed in the column are strictly
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and the
opinions of Association for India's Development, Inc.
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