Pine Needles Biomass Gasification Based Electricity Generation for Indian Himalayan Region: Drivers and Barriers

Abstract

The Himalayan subtropical pine forests extend from Pakistan through India to Bhutan. These trees were originally planted by the British for economic advantages, i.e. wood and sap. However, now they are a hazard to cultivation, agriculture, local fauna as well as the environment. During the summer season every year, dry pine needles fall from the trees and cover the forest floor destroying the fertile top layer. This is also a serious cause of frequent forest fires during the dry months. The implementation of biomass gasification technology using dry pine needles as raw material for electricity production is a necessity for sustainable development and to achieve India’s goal of producing 40% of its installed electricity by 2030 from renewable energy sources (as per the Paris Agreement). This technology is also a practical method by which to reduce forest fires and thus impact climate change in a positive way. In this paper, we will discuss the drivers and barriers in the implementation of this technology.