Management of the agricultural biomass on decentralized basis for producing sustainable power in India

The use of biomass in energy sector is continuously growing all over the world due to a number of factors such as low emissions, need for alternative energy sources, increased government initiatives for renewable energy technologies and a substantial untapped biomass potential. But, the economics of biomass based power projects depends on the long term and secure supplies of sustainable feedstock. In case of agricultural residues, the feasibility of installation of a power plant is directly dependent on the transport cost and their availability in a region. Therefore, region-wise planning and policies are required to promote their utilization for energy purpose. The present paper summarizes the methodology to evaluate the state-wise power potential of agricultural residues in India. Further, other issues related with their utilization for electricity generation have also been discussed. It has been revealed that biomass power potential is highest in the state of Uttar Pradesh (6045 MW) followed by Punjab (3585 MW), Maharashtra (3139 MW) and Haryana (2300 MW), while its Value varies significantly within the country. But, these resources are not exploited to a considerable extent by various states due to a number of challenges. The logistics of biomass collection and the moisture contents are the major barriers in this regard. But, selection of appropriate technology (combustion or gasification) and favorable policies (for use of biomass for energy) can help to resolve these issues. Various government incentives (at state and central level) such as schemes, grants and subsidies have encouraged the adoption of the grid connected biomass combustion/cogeneration projects (at megawatt scale) and the off-grid gasification units (small scale plants) for rural electrification. The study reveals that the future targets for the biomass based installed capacity can be achieved by successful implementation of these schemes in the country. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.