Biomass-based Electricity Research Articles

Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System to Accelerate a Sustainable Energy Transition in Johor, Malaysia

As the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, Malaysia heavily depends on its extensive oil palm cultivation, which accounts for nearly 90% of the country’s lignocellulosic biomass waste. Approximately 20–22 tonnes of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) can be derived from an initial yield of 100 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) from oil palm trees. The average annual amount of EFBs produced in Johor is 3233 tonnes per day. Recognising that urban areas contribute significantly to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and to support Malaysia’s transition from fossil fuel-based energy to a low-carbon energy system, this research employed HOMER Pro software 3.18.3 to develop an optimal hybrid renewable energy system integrating solar and biomass (EFB) energy sources in Johor, Malaysia. The most cost-effective system (solar–biomass) consists of 4075 kW solar photovoltaics, a 2100 kW biomass gasifier, 9363 battery units and 1939 kW converters. This configuration results in a total net present cost (NPC) of USD 44,596,990 and a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of USD 0.2364/kWh. This system satisfies the residential load demand via 6,020,427 kWh (64.7%) of solar-based and 3,286,257 kWh (35.3%) of biomass-based electricity production, with an annual surplus of 2,613,329 kWh (28.1%). The minimal percentages of unmet electric load and capacity shortage, both <0.1%, indicate that all systems can meet the power demand. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the economic viability and technical feasibility of powering the Kulai district with a solar–biomass system.

From Agricultural Waste to Energy: Assessing the Bioenergy Potential of South-Central Texas

This paper addresses the challenge of meeting increasing energy needs by assessing the potential of bioenergy as a sustainable resource option in South Central Texas. Available agricultural crop residues suitable for bioenergy production are evaluated from the 21 counties in South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Area (Region L). The residues produced and available for bioenergy are quantified according to the production areas for each field crop and tree area. Residue-to-product ratios of field crops are determined according to crop type and production quantity. Biomass potential of trees is calculated based on tree density and biomass production per tree. The results demonstrate that the potential productions of utilizable agricultural wastes are in the range of 898.7 t kt–1421.39 kt for Region L. The average annual energy potential is estimated at 19.27 PJ, and ranges between 14.36 and 24.18 PJ. The average potential biomass-based electricity production could compensate significant amount of coal-based electricity generated in the Texas and when agricultural wastes are available.

Electricity generation in Ghana: Evaluation of crop residues and the associated greenhouse gas mitigation potential

Biomass plays a dual role as an energy source and a solution for climate change mitigation. There are complexities surrounding decentralized electricity generation, and Ghana could not achieve its 10% renewable energy target in 2020. The paper assesses the greenhouse gas mitigation potential and economic impact of electricity from major food crop residues subjected to anaerobic digestion technology in 16 regions and 88 districts in Ghana from 2017 to 2020. Buswell equation was applied to calculate the biogas and methane yield. The environmental impact assessment was expressed as global warming potential, and the economic feasibility was conducted. The results showed that crop residues' annual theoretical and technical potential was 28.92 Mt and 17.24 Mt. The top four residues with the largest share of technical potential were maize (5.41 Mt), yam (3.58 Mt), plantain (3.05 Mt) and cassava (2.39 Mt). Biogas and electricity potentials were 1,912.74 Mm3 and 3,068.34 GWh, which could offset 15.56% of electricity consumption in Ghana. The Ashanti (478.18 GWh), Eastern (430.20 GWh), Bono East (318.29 GWh) and Northern (314 GWh) regions demonstrated the highest electricity potential. Ghana could generate the highest electricity potential of 46.52 GWh in the districts and a minimum potential of 0.89 GWh annually. Power generation potential from anaerobic digestion had a diesel displacement capacity of 923.35×106 L with a GHG emissions reduction of 2,507.35 kt CO2 eq. The largest GHG reduction potential was 38.15 kt CO2 eq at the district level. The findings show that the project is economically viable, with an average net present value of $ 10,105,904 per region and an electricity cost of $ 0.0321/kWh. The study provides critical insights to policymakers and industry developers for decentralized biomass-based electricity generation in Ghana.

How will tradable green certificates affect electricity trading markets under renewable portfolio standards? A China perspective

Abstract Renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are important guarantees to promote renewable energy (RE) consumption. The tradable green certificate (TGC) trading mechanism is a supporting mechanism of RPS, but the rate of TGC trading is low and there is a double-metering problem of RE consumption. With the introduction of new policies in China, we innovatively take the electricity-selling side as the subject of RE consumption responsibility and biomass-based electricity-generation (BEG) projects are considered to participate in TGC trading. To explore the interaction between the TGC market and the electricity market, this paper sets up a day-ahead spot market-trading structure combining both markets under RPS and establishes a market equilibrium model. The established model is solved and validated based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm and the profits of each market player under different influencing factors are analysed. The main conclusions are as follows. (i) The established market structure and model effectively solve the double-metering problem of RE consumption, making the TGC turnover rate reach 82.97 %, greatly improving the market efficiency. (ii) Increased demand for TGC will increase demand for RE electricity. The participation of BEG projects in the TGC market can effectively improve the profit of biomass-based electricity producers (BEPs), reduce the burden of government financial subsidies and will not affect the consumption of wind-based electricity and photovoltaic-based electricity. This will help promote the rapid development of China’s RE, especially the BEG industry. (iii) Among the influencing factors, the increase in renewable-energy consumption responsibility weight and the decrease in electricity-generation cost can increase the profit of BEPs. The decline in TGC price and subsidy price will reduce the profit of BEPs. Finally, we put forward policy recommendations for China’s RPS and TGC trading mechanism. This study can provide a reference for the construction of China’s TGC market and electricity market and the development of RE.

Fast-growing native tree species to the secondary forest of East Kalimantan, Indonesia: Physicochemical properties of woody materials for bioelectricity feedstocks

Abstract. Yuliansyah. Haqiqi MT, Setiawan KA, Setiawan A, Saputra PD, Romadlon HSI, Mukhdlor A, Ramadhan R, Amirta R. 2022. Fast-growing native tree species to the secondary forest of East Kalimantan, Indonesia: Physicochemical properties of woody materials for bioelectricity feedstocks. Biodiversitas 23: 3379-3386. The conversion of woody biomass into electricity through a thermochemical process has recently attracted significant attention worldwide to promote green energy production. It provides a low-cost and straightforward operation promising for developing rural areas, especially with limited transportation access. In East Kalimantan Province, almost all remote areas are surrounded by forests with high tree species diversity, which is the potential to be utilized for sustainable feedstocks in electric power plants. This study pointed out the energy potential produced from woody biomass of selected fast-growing tree species native to East Kalimantan secondary tropical forest: Elaeocarpus ferrugineus (Jacq.) Steud., Ficus aurata (Miq.) Miq., Fordia splendidissima (Blume ex Miq.) Buijsen, Lindera lucida (Blume) Boerl., Mallotus paniculatus (Lam.) Mull. Arg. and Schima wallichii (DC). Their wood physicochemical properties were firstly investigated. Furthermore, each species' wood quality for solid energy purposes was presented as the fuel value index (FVI). The results revealed that the change from greenwood into wood chip effectively removed the moisture content, thus improving efficiency to achieve higher energy potency. Our findings showed that the highest energy potency was obtained from the wood chip of F. splendidissima (3.61 MWh/ton), followed by S. wallichii (2.98 MWh/ton). A similar pattern was also found in FVI determination showing that the wood chip of S. Splendidissima had the greatest value (8970). Therefore, we observed that the high quality of S. splendidissima compared to other selected fast-growing species indicates its high suitability for further large-scale crop plantation to supply wood chips for biomass-based electricity generation.

Advanced technologies for electricity production in the sugarcane value chain are a strategic option in a carbon reward policy context

Sustainable bioenergy production is required to meet the growing demand and environmental concerns. This study addresses current and advanced options for biomass-based electricity generation integrated to a sugarcane ethanol distillery in Brazil and polices that would foster its deployment. The typical combustion and steam cycle system and the integrated gasification combined cycle are the options considered for lignocellulosic biomass conversion into heat and power, associated with carbon capture and storage technologies. Besides conventional sugarcane, eucalyptus and energy-cane are also examined as promising feedstocks to extend operational days and/or increase biomass yields. The considered biomass-based electricity options are able to mitigate climate change impacts and depletion fossil resources. However, decreasing costs is a challenge to overcome for its broader implementation. The assessed strategies may help to guide policymakers on how to feasibly deploy advanced technologies for electricity production from biomass, meeting the future demands for sustainable electricity. The choice of larger processing scales shows an important effect on reducing costs, as well as choosing energy-cane as feedstock, which is also favorable for reducing climate change and land use impacts. Likewise, government policies that reward climate mitigation, as RenovaBio in Brazil, have a prominent role to foster advanced biomass-based electricity production technologies.

Assessment of crop residues-based electricity generation potential for energy security in Bangladesh

About 65.82% of total electricity generation in Bangladesh come from domestic natural gas. Natural gas reserves are expected to deplete and become commercially unviable by 2030 at the current consumption rate, threatening the nation's energy security. Authors in this study investigated surplus crop residues availability and their electricity generation potential in 2018–19 and forecast to 2029–30 for establishing a biomass-based electricity generation system. It was estimated that 35.834 MT surplus crop residues could produce 42.560 TWh electricity, meeting 68.60% electricity demand in 2018–19. Forecast estimate showed that 50.561 TWh electricity generation potential of 42.553 MT surplus crop residues could supply 41.90% of forecasted electricity demand in 2029–30 in Bangladesh. Rangpur division possesses the largest share of crop residues availability and the Barisal Division the least. Results of this study could provide baseline data for establishing biomass-based electricity plants.

Environmental and Economic Assessments and Uncertainties of Multiple Lignocellulosic Biomass Utilization for Bioenergy Products: Case Studies

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) were applied to assess the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of utilizing multiple biomass feedstocks for bioenergy products under three different technological pathways with consideration of uncertainties. Three cases were studied for the production of pellets, biomass-based electricity, and pyrolysis bio-oil. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the uncertainties of fossil energy consumption, bioenergy conversion efficiency, stochastic production rate, etc. The cradle-to-gate LCA results showed that pellet production had the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water and fossil fuels consumption (8.29 kg CO2 eq (equivalent), 0.46 kg, and 105.42 MJ, respectively). The conversion process presented a greater environmental impact for all three bioenergy products. When producing 46,929 Mg of pellets, 223,380 MWh of electricity, and 78,000 barrels of pyrolysis oil, the net present values (NPV) indicated that only pellet and electricity production were profitable with NPVs of $1.20 million for pellets, and $5.59 million for biopower. Uncertainty analysis indicated that pellet production showed the highest uncertainty in GHG emission, and bio-oil production had the least uncertainty in GHG emission but had risks producing greater-than-normal amounts of GHG. Biopower production had the highest probability to be a profitable investment with 85.23%.

Techno-economic assessment of biomass combustion technologies to generate electricity in South America: A case study for Bolivia

Agricultural residues, although widely available, are an unused source of energy in Bolivia. Although the government of Bolivia plans to increase the share of renewables in the power portfolio, none of the proposed projects includes agricultural residues as a source of electricity. The present study investigated the techno-economics of a biomass-based electricity generation facility, including the optimum facility size and the levelized cost of electricity from agricultural residues in Bolivia. The biomass feedstocks are the residues from harvesting sugarcane, soybean, corn, rice, sorghum, and sunflower. A novel framework was developed to geographically locate biomass collection points (BCPs), sites for collecting/storing biomass on roadsides using a model developed using GIS. The cost components are the costs of harvesting biomass from fields, baling, transportation to BCPs, storage, nutrient replacement, the premium paid to the farmer, and capital cost for the plant. The transportation costs were estimated using a detailed GIS study through the analysis of the actual road network, and the transportation costs were optimized. Regression models were developed to assess the capital costs of the combustion plants. The conversion technologies considered for Bolivia were grate-firing and fluidized bed combustion. A novel integrated framework, named ENergy from BIOmass Techno Economic Model (ENBIOTEM), was developed. Using this model, we estimated the energy cost to be 71.6 $/MWh for an optimal plant capacity of 300 MW. The main barrier against promoting renewables in Bolivia is the fossil fuel subsidy. Although biomass is currently not competitive with fossil fuels in Bolivia, the results provide information to decision makers for future planning.

Energy, Economic and Environmental (3E) Analysis for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of a 9.9 MW Biomass Power Plant in Thailand

In Thailand, the use of biomass for electricity generation has been implemented with incineration technology for many years. However, recent reports indicate that electricity demand is still high and biomass power plant is one of the key factors for electricity management. The major purpose of this research paper is to analyze the energy, economic and environmental features of biomass power plant for the national sustainable development strategy. An existing 9.9 MW biomass power plant located in Suphanburi is selected as the case study to assess thermal combustion for electricity generation. The in-house operations of biomass-based power plant and the process flow of energy in terms of electricity generation using agricultural wastes and forestry residues are provided. Different expenses like capital cost, processing cost, and transportation cost and the major revenue from the sale of electricity are taken into consideration. Five environmental factors (air, sound, water, ash, and transportation) of biomass power plant for sustainability are investigated. Findings from this research project indicate that incineration is a suitable technology for biomass-based electricity generation with considerable profit for all stakeholders.

Classifying Hybrids of Energy Cane for Production of Bioethanol and Cogeneration of Biomass-Based Electricity by Principal Component Analysis-Linked Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Algorithm

The biggest challenge facing in sugar-energy plants is to move towards the biorefinery concept, without threatening the environment and health. Energy cane is the state-of-the-art of smart energy crops to provide suitable whole-raw material to produce upgraded biofuels, dehydrated alcohol for transportation, refined sugar, yeast-fermented alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, silage and high-quality fodder, as well as to cogenerate heat and bioelectricity from burnt lignocellulose. We, accordingly, present fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering algorithm interconnected with principal component analysis (PCA) as powerful exploratory data analysis tool to wisely classify hybrids of energy cane for production of first-generation ethanol and cogeneration of heat and bioelectricity. From the orthogonally-rotated factorial map, fuzzy cluster I aggregated the hybrids VX12-0277, VX12-1191, VX12-1356 and VX12-1658 composed of higher contents of soluble solids and sucrose, and larger productive yields of fermentable sugars. These parameters correlated with the X-axis component referring to technological quality of cane juice. Fuzzy cluster III aggregated the hybrids VX12-0180 and VX12-1022 consisted of higher fiber content. This parameter correlated with the Y-axis component referring to physicochemical quality of lignocellulose. From the PCA-FCM methodology, the conclusion is, therefore, hybrids from fuzzy cluster I prove to be type I energy cane (higher sucrose to fiber ratio) and could serve as energy supply pathways to produce bioethanol, while the hybrids from fuzzy cluster III are type II energy cane (lower sucrose to fiber ratio), denoting potential as higher fiber yield biomass sources to feed cogeneration of heat and bioelectricity in high temperature and pressure furnace-boiler system.

Fossil Fuels, GHG Emissions and Clean Energy Development: Asian Giants in a Comparative Perspective

Focusing on the major Asian economies of China, India and Japan, there is a three-fold objective of this article. First, it aims at ascertaining magnitude of fossil fuel dependence among Asian Giants; second, it tries to trace out consequent environmental impacts; and third, it aims at contrasting performance of Asian Giants in development of various types of clean energy, such as hydro, solar, wind and biomass-based electricity systems. In addition, it also examines nature of trade in climate smart energy technologies and the financing of investment for promoting growth of clean energy.

Repercussion of Large Scale Hydro Dam Deployment: The Case of Congo Grand Inga Hydro Project

The idea of damming the Congo River has persisted for decades. The Grand Inga project, of up to 42 GW power generation capacity, can only be justified as part of a regional energy master plan for Africa, to bridge the energy gap on the continent. Proponents of very large dams have often exaggerated potential multiple benefits of a mega dam, marginalise environmental concerns and neglect the true risk of such projects, in particular for the fragile economies of developing countries. Studies have reported the financial risks, cost overruns and schedule spills associated with very large dams. In addition, most of the dams in the region are poorly managed. Therefore, the type and scale of Grand Inga is not the solution for millions of not yet electrified people in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this research, scenarios are defined based on announced costs and expected costs. Cost escalations in the range from 5% to 100% for the Inga project in 2030 and 2040 are considered, as average cost overruns are typically at about 70% or higher for similar mega-dams. It was found that when the cost overrun for the Grand Inga project exceeds 35% and −5% for 2030 and 2040 assumptions, respectively, the project becomes economically non-beneficial. In all scenarios, Sub-Saharan Africa can mainly be powered by solar photovoltaics to cover the electricity demand and complemented by wind energy, supported by batteries. Hydropower and biomass-based electricity can serve as complementary resources. The grid frequency stability of the power system is analysed and discussed in the paper. Benefits of the Inga hydropower project have to be increasingly questioned, in particular due to the fast cost decline of solar photovoltaics and batteries.

The current potential of low-carbon economy and biomass-based electricity in Cuba. The case of sugarcane, energy cane and marabu (Dichrostachys cinerea) as biomass sources

The emissions of greenhouse gases stand as a major threat of today. Moving towards CO2 neutral or low-carbon economies is a need to achieve sustainable development. This study assesses the potentialities to move Cuba towards a low-carbon economy by replacing the current electricity mix, dominated by fossil fuel based electricity generation, with biomass-based electricity generation. Because of their significant potential, the study focusses on the use of sugarcane, energy cane and marabu (dichrostachys cinerea) based biomass. Results show that biomass can support over 97% of the electricity generation planned by the Cuban government for 2030. Replacing fossil fuel based electricity with biomass-based electricity today potentially reduces up to 81% of the greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the emission levels of 2012. Implementing biomass-based electricity generation in Cuba can also reduce the costs of electricity generation by 1–30% (depending on the market price of fossil fuels).

STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMASS BASED ELECTRICITY BAMBOO

The purpose of this research was to calculate the level of public access to electricity, the number of districts that have not been electrified, searching for the cause of the electrical limitations, analyze the potential development of biomass-based electricity bamboo. This research was conducted by collecting and analyzing secondary data (exploratory). The results showed that an area where the level of public access in the Mentawai Islands to electricity is still low at 21.7%, while the average of West Sumatra has reached 73.5%. There are three districts that have not been electrified the District Siberut Southwestern, Central and Siberut Siberut West. Cause limitation is the limited electrical power supplied by PLN because they rely on diesel power and the difficulty of distributing electricity for people living in remote locations and lack of infrastructure. The development of biomass-based power relative bamboo suitable to be developed in this area, because of the development of the bamboo plant is feasible, and supported by land suitability and size of the area that can be planted. Electrification technology-based biomass (bamboo) can be applied to spots or per region around the bamboo plants are developed.

STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMASS BASED ELECTRICITY BAMBOO

The purpose of this research was to calculate the level of public access to electricity, the number of districts that have not been electrified, searching for the cause of the electrical limitations, analyze the potential development of biomass-based electricity bamboo. This research was conducted by collecting and analyzing secondary data (exploratory). The results showed that an area where the level of public access in the Mentawai Islands to electricity is still low at 21.7%, while the average of West Sumatra has reached 73.5%. There are three districts that have not been electrified the District Siberut Southwestern, Central and Siberut Siberut West. Cause limitation is the limited electrical power supplied by PLN because they rely on diesel power and the difficulty of distributing electricity for people living in remote locations and lack of infrastructure. The development of biomass-based power relative bamboo suitable to be developed in this area, because of the development of the bamboo plant is feasible, and supported by land suitability and size of the area that can be planted. Electrification technology-based biomass (bamboo) can be applied to spots or per region around the bamboo plants are developed.

Novel Role of Rural Official Organization in the Biomass-Based Power Supply Chain in China: A Combined Game Theory and Agent-Based Simulation Approach

Developing biomass-based power generation is helpful for China to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and to release the targets of carbon emission peak. The decentralized farming method leads to Chinese farmers’ weak willingness to collect and sell crop residues to biomass-based power plants. The purpose of this paper is to solve the issue by proposing a novel biomass feedstock supply model with China’s rural official organization—villagers’ committee, which has great influence on villagers’ decision making. Introducing it into the biomass-based power supply chain is beneficial to motivating farmers’ supplying enthusiasm. A combined game theory and agent-based simulation approach is applied to study the effectiveness of this new supply model. Multiple simulation scenarios are built to study impacts of different simulation parameters, and results show that farmers tend to supply more biomass material for electricity production in the proposed villagers’ committee model, compared with the two conventional supply models, direct-deal and broker models. The supply model incorporating the rural official organization can ensure the feedstock sufficiency for plants. A proper model design depends on the feed-in tariff subsidy for biomass-based electricity, feedstock shipping distance, performance appraisal system of the villagers’ committee, as well as farmers’ utility weights on net income and public service improvement.

BECCS potential in Brazil: Achieving negative emissions in ethanol and electricity production based on sugar cane bagasse and other residues

Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2°C above the pre-industrial level will require drastic cuts in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during the first half of the century; net negative emissions approaching 2100 are required in the vast majority of current emission scenarios. For negative emissions, the focus has been on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where carbon-neutral bioenergy would be combined with additional carbon capture thus yielding emissions lower than zero. Different BECCS technologies are considered around the world and one option that deserves special attention applies CCS to ethanol production. It is currently possible to eliminate 27.7milliontonnes (Mt) of CO2 emissions per year through capture and storage of CO2 released during fermentation, which is part of sugar cane-based ethanol production in Brazil. Thus, BECCS could reduce the country’s emissions from energy production by roughly 5%. Such emissions are additional to those due to the substitution of biomass-based electricity for fossil-fueled power plants. This paper assesses the potential and cost effectiveness of negative emissions in the joint production system of ethanol and electricity based on sugar cane, bagasse, and other residues in Brazil. An important benefit is that CO2 can be captured twice along the proposed BECCS supply chain (once during fermentation and once during electricity generation). This study only considers BECCS from fermentation because capturing such CO2 is straightforward, thus potentially representing a cost-effective mitigation option for Brazil compared to other alternatives. The assessment shows that fuel prices would increase by less than 3.5% due to the adoption of BECCS from fermentation, while increasing investors’ revenues are sufficient to compensate for the investment required. With appropriate government subsidies, or by sharing BECCS costs between all car fuels and all electricity supplied by hydro and bioelectricity, the increment in ethanol and electricity prices could be less than 1% for the final consumer. Meanwhile it would supply 77.3% of all cars’ fuel (private cars) and 17.9% of all electricity in Brazil.

Is biomass energy really clean? An environmental life-cycle perspective on biomass-based electricity generation in China

A bottom-up approach combined with national and provincial statistical data was used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of electricity generation scenarios based on five mature biomasses in China. Coal-based electricity generation technology was used as control. Uncertainty analysis was conducted to confirm and add credibility to this study. The electricity generation capacities of municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, and corn straw account for approximately 0.86%, 0.085%, and 8.18%, respectively, of electricity generated in China in 2012. The estimated national environmental burden caused by biomass-based electricity generation was mainly observed in eastern China, which can be attributed to the relatively high population density and economic levels of this region. For each biomass-based scenario, the key factors that contribute to the overall environmental burden include direct emissions of nitrogen oxides, phosphorus, mercury, and particulate matter. In addition, carbon dioxide pollution generated from methane incineration, road transport, and electricity consumption play a dominant role in the overall environmental burden. The environmental benefits of biomass mainly vary depending on the technologies applied and their electricity generation efficiency. Compared with the corn straw scenario, coal-based electricity generation technology yields strong environmental benefits in most key categories with the exception of climate change and human toxicity. Accordingly, biomass is not unconditionally cleaner than fossil fuel. The utilization and popularization of biomass-based electricity generation technologies must be systematically and scientifically evaluated to avoid secondary pollution generation and pollutant transformation.

A Pricing Model for Biomass-based Electricity

Biomass generation systems using gasification technology can provide clean energy and can be a dependable source of power to complement the main power supply. Electricity price fixation has an important role in the power market. A generalized pricing method should take care of the demand variations and the market conditions. This article proposes a model for determining the price of electrical energy from biomass-based power plants considering operating constraints and the economic components that influence the electricity price. It incorporates the Clean Development Mechanism benefit, income from by-products, and penalty factors in addition to the economic components. The model developed is applied to a typical biomass gasifier generating unit in India for determining the electricity price.