| Biomass is organic
material, which has stored solar energy from sunlight in the form of
chemical in the plants through the process called photosynthesis.
Biomass fuels include Agricultural Wastes, Crop Residues, Wood, Woody
Waste & Organic wastes etc. It also includes biomass like Julifora
Prosopis, Casuarinas, Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Subabool as main feedstock
and agro wastes like Tapioca Stalks, Ground nut shell, Coconut Shells,
Sugarcane Trash, Corn Stalks etc. Unlike fossil fuels Biomass does not
add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as it absorbs the same amount of
carbon while growing. It is the cheapest, eco-friendly, renewable source
of energy. |
| Biomass Gasification
converts solid biomass into more convenient gaseous form. Normally, the
ratio of air to fuel required for the complete combustion of the biomass
is 6:1 to 6.5:1, which defined as stoichiometric combustion with the end
products being CO2 and H2O. In gasification the combustion is carried at
substoichiometric conditions with air-to-fuel ratio being 1.5:1 to
1.8:1. The gas so obtained is called producer gas, which is combustible
having a calorific value of 4.5-5.0 MJ/Kg, with an average composition
of CO : 20 + 1%; CH4 :3 + 1%, H2 : 20 + 1%, CO2 : 12 + 1% and the rest
being N2. This process is made possible in a device called gasifier. A
gasifier system mainly comprises of a reactor, where the combustible gas
is generated and the gas is made available for power generation/thermal
application after the required cleaning and cooling process. |
The producer gas generated
from Biomass gasifier can be used to run the diesel engine. The diesel
engine needs around 20 to 25% diesel. Now a days diesel engine in
certain capacity are available which can be run on producer gas.
Gasifier when connected with electric generator through engine can
generate electricity. The producer gas can also be used for thermal
application. Burning of 1 cubic meter gas will generate thermal energy
of the order of 4.5 to 5.0 MJ. Flame temperature as high as 12000C can
be obtained by optimal pre-mixing of air with producer gas. For
processes, which require thermal energy, gasifiers can be a good option
as a gas generator, and retrofitted with existing devices. Few of the
applications where retrofit is possible are: Dryers, Kilns, Funaces,
Boilers etc.
Remote, non-accessible
villages where laying of transmission lines is not economical and where
sufficient biomass is available, their electrification can be done
through biomass gasifier systems. 1Kg. of biomass can produce 1 unit of
electricity. In case of thermal application thermal energy generated
from 4kg. of biomass is equivalent to thermal energy generated from 1kg.
of furnace oil or diesel. The approximate cost of gasifier for thermal
application is Rs. 30000 per kW and for electricity generation the cost
is Rs. 1-1.5 lakh per kW. |
Biomass gasifier programme is being
implementing with the following main objectives:
- To deploy biomass gasifier
systems for meeting unmet demand of electricity in villages.
- To take up demonstration
projects for 100% producer gas engine, coupled with gasifier for off
grid and grid power operation.
- To support and this
enlarge activities, through awareness creation, publicity measures,
seminars/workshops/ business meets/ training programme etc.
|
| The programme is implemented through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) with the
involvement of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Co-operative,
Panchayats, NGOs, manufactures or entrepreneurs etc. CFA is routed
through SNAs. |
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is
provided during 2005-06 as per the pattern applicable during 2003-04,
are briefly stated below:
- Rs.1.50 lakh / 100 kWe on
pro rata basis or in multiples thereof for electrical
application with duel fuel diesel engines and water pumping,
- Rs.15.00 lakh / 100 kWe on
pro rata basis or in multiples thereof for village level
electrical application with 100% producer gas engines.
- Rs.15.00 lakh / 100 kWe on
pro rata basis or in multiples thereof for grid interactive
biomass gasifier based power projects with 100% producer gas
engines.
- Rs.10.00 lakh / 100 kWe on
pro rata basis or in multiples thereof for projects
involving 100% gas engines alone.
- 20% higher CFA is provided
for such project in all special category states and Islands.
- The balance cost is to be
met by the user states agency, entrepreneur etc.
- CFA is also provided for
preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPRs), organization
of seminars, business meets, workshops, training programme
etc.
Pattern of Release of funds:
- 1st
installment of 20% of CFA along with sanction letter
- 2nd installment
of 50% of CFA on supply of equipment at site
- 3rd installment of 30% of CFA on erection & commissioning and after three
months / 1000 hours of trouble free operation of the whole system and
submission of audited statement of expenditure and utilization
certificate.
Beneficiaries:
Mainly individual households & village
community.
Other Beneficiaries:
Cottage industries, small scale
industries, public utility etc.
Benefits:
Off-grid power for meeting unmet demand
of electricity in electrified villages; and Grid interactive MW level
power project with 100% producer gas engine with locally available woody
and non-woody biomass resources.
Other Benefits:
To meet electricity needs for water pumping and other electrical
applications on decentralized basis from various types of woody and
non-woody biomass available in villages.
Details:
a. Eligibility criteria:
The programme is implemented through State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) with the
involvement of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), Co-operative,
Panchayats, NGOs, manufactures or entrepreneurs etc.
b. How to avail:
The projects to be
taken up by any village level organization, Panchayats, institution,
private entrepreneurs, industries, etc. in rural areas other than the
industries and commercial establishments covered under urban, industrial
and commercial applications (UICA) programmes. The proposals have to be
submitted in the prescribed format to the concerned State Nodal agencies
who in turn would forward to the Ministry with their recommendations for
seeking Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the scheme.
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