Biomass Gasifier Integrated Hybrid Systems as a Sustainable Option for Rural Electrification

Abstract

‘Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all’ is a prime objective listed in the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Uninterrupted power supply is an essential requirement for urban as well as rural areas. In developing countries, steps are being taken to ensure 100% electrification. The total number of un-electrified villages in India is 3361 based on recent statistics. Many such villages are located in regions where grid extension could be uneconomical. Renewable energy based electrification systems offer a sustainable solution though they have the limitation of being dependent on a dilute and intermittent source. Integrated or Hybrid Energy Systems which combine multiple energy sources improve the situation. A hybrid system incorporating a diesel generator or any other dispatchable source of power along with a photovoltaic system would be preferable as compared to a purely photovoltaic based system. However, diesel based generators have the inherent limitations of being costly and unsustainable. Biomass gasifier integrated hybrid systems can be adopted in such cases where locally available biomass feedstock can be utilized for the system operation. Certain studies on system planning have been undertaken for biomass gasifier based hybrid energy systems in the past, specific to rural applications in developing economies. The salient features of biomass gasifier integrated hybrid systems for rural electrification from the design and operational point of view are discussed in this chapter. In India, biomass gasifier systems having a cumulative capacity of 18 MW are being used for meeting electricity needs in rural areas. Considering the potential of biomass energy source, its utilization in isolated power generation has been minimal in India. A study on the cost optimal design and performance assessment of biomass gasifier integrated hybrid systems is a vital step in this context. A case study involving the detailed design of biomass gasifier integrated hybrid energy system for a typical rural location in India following the design space approach is also presented in this chapter.