Thermochemical conversion of agricultural residue for the production of hydrogen, methane, and biofuels: A comprehensive overview

Abstract

As the depletion of fossil fuels looms and the potential for an energy crisis grows, the global waste management predicament is exacerbated by increasing waste generation across various sectors. This convergence has given rise to a widespread challenge in global waste management. Agricultural residues, abundantly available worldwide, present a promising alternative to dwindling fossil fuels. These residues have the potential to serve as a substitute for fossil fuels, producing methane, hydrogen, biofuels, and various valuable chemicals. This comprehensive study examines the composition of agricultural residue, provides a detailed exploration of the gasification process, investigates different gasification agents, and highlights associated challenges. The research also covers a spectrum of fuels derived from agricultural waste, discussing waste pre-treatment and the ensuing difficulties while envisioning the future landscape of energy generation through agrarian residues. The paper extensively explores the complex reactions inherent in gasification and thoroughly evaluates various gasifier types, outlining their merits and drawbacks. While some countries have already initiated energy production from agricultural waste, further research is crucial to make these processes ecologically benign and environmentally friendly. Addressing the significant logistical challenge of transporting agricultural waste to biofuel facilities is pivotal. Siting biofuel plants near agricultural fields appears to be a more feasible approach. In pursuing judicious agricultural waste utilization and sustainability benchmarks, it is essential to integrate available waste streams with locally tailored technical solutions.