Biomass Fired Thermal Power Generation Technology- A Route to Meet Growing Energy Demand and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Energy derived from biomass is a very promising energy alternative especially when we compare the same with fossil fuels (coal, liquid fossil fuels, etc.) as the plants can absorb the carbon dioxide during the photosynthesis process and therefore can reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from fossil fuels. Further, the utilization of biomass in various biomass-based thermochemical conversion technologies could help to convert waste bio-resources into bio-energy. This review paper provides an overview of various types of available biomass resources along with their chemical composition and physical properties and their utilization for the generation of power (electricity) as an alternative to coal for power generation from a Thermal Power Plant or useful form of heat or fuels/chemicals for various other industrial processes. It includes the merits and demerits of biomass-fired thermal power plants with reference to efficiency, environmental emissions, and logistics, supply chain and storage for biomass. These review papers attempt to bring forward the effective methods which could be adopted for the efficient utilization of biomass for the purpose of power generation from biomass-based thermal power plants. Further, this could also help to substantially reduce green house gas emissions and carbon footprint and help to achieve sustainable development goals.