Prospects, progress, challenges and policies for clean power generation from biomass resources

Abstract

Worldwide primary energy needs are satisfied basically from non-renewable sources that are limited in supply and innately hazardous to the environment. Biomass-based power systems are very much potent to address the environmental issues fostering sustainable development, while being able to provide a secured and uninterrupted power supply at the same time. Biomass-based power generation systems not only reduce the GHG emissions but also have enormous opportunities of job creation and promote biomass re-growth through sustainable land management practices. This paper overviews the biomass scenario in Southeast Asian and EU countries to give an overview of the potential and scalable energy harnessed from biomass resources. Economic analyses presented on biomass gasification-based power generation have been evaluated with three specific cost estimations, namely low, average and high. Key economic performance metrics of biomass gasification-based dual-fuel internal combustion engine generator with low investment estimates are as follows: a positive net present value of USD 7.5 million; internal rate of return 14.45%; and a payback period of 5.45 years. A review of the technologies can provide a base for strategic energy policy for the next generation of sustainable energy policies and helps policymakers to frame strategies aiming for clean technology and sustainable development. Biomass integrated gasification combined cycle-based systems are found to be most suitable for power generation or biofuel synthesis.