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Introduction

Biomass generally refers to the renewable organic matter generated by plants through photosynthesis, wherein solar energy combines with CO₂ and moisture to form carbohydrates and oxygen. Materials having combustible organic matter are referred to as biomass. Biomass contains C, H and O which are oxygenated hydrocarbons. It generally contains a high level of moisture and volatile matter but has a low bulk density and calorific value. Coal is the end product of a sequence of biological and geological processes that biomass undergoes.

Biomass energy

Biomass energy is the utilization of energy stored in organic matter. It is humanity’s oldest external source of energy, dating back to prehistoric man’s first use of fire.  And biomass is still an important part of the world’s energy system; the use of traditional biomass—charcoal, firewood, and animal dung—in developing countries accounts for almost 10% of the world’s primary energy supply.

Bioenergy can be utilized in varied appications:

• Biomass can be combusted to produce heat (large plants or localized biomass boilers), electricity, or used in combined heat and power (CHP) plants.
• Biomass can also be used in combination with fossil fuels (co-firing) to improve efficiency and reduce the build up of combustion residues.
• Biomass has potential to replace petroleum as a source for transportation fuels.

Biomass is also used in conjunction with fossil fuels for electricity generation in “waste-to-energy” projects. These are niche applications, which depend on the biomass having no other commercial value and being in close proximity to the application. For more information on waste to energy, please click here.

Why Biomass energy?

Biomass is an attractive energy source for a number of reasons:

• Biomass is a renewable energy source generated through natural processes and as a byproduct of human activity.
• It is also more evenly distributed over the earth's surface than fossil fuel energy sources, and may be harnessed using more cost effective technologies.
• It provides us the opportunity to be more energy self-sufficient and helps to reduce climate change.
• It helps farmers, ranchers and foresters better manage waste material, providing rural job opportunities and stimulating new economic opportunities.

Types of Biomass

Biomass is highly diverse in nature and classified on the basis of site of origin, as follows:

Biomass Potential and Availability in India:

India is the 7^th largest country in the world spanning 328 Million hectares and amply bestowed with renewable sources of energy.  It has been estimated that India produces about 450 million tonnes of biomass per year, of which about 200 million tonnes is surplus. Biomass tops the list in providing 32% of all the primary energy use in the country. The tables illustrated below shows the bioenergy potential of various crop residues in India.

Renewable Bio-Feedstocks in India and their Availability for Heat and Power Generation ^a 

^a Estimations are approximated for a unit megawatt (MW) power plant

Potential of Various Cellulosic Feed stocks in India for  Ethanol Production

     Potential of Different Oilseeds and Trees of India for biodiesel production ^b 

 ^b Estimations are made on theoretical conversion of vegetable oils to methyl fatty esters (Biodiesel) at 90% efficiency. In case of oilseeds from trees, oil is assumed to be used only for biodiesel production. 

India Biomass Energy

• Bioenergy - Concepts 

• Technologies

• Biomass to heat 

• Biomass to Power

• Biomass to Transporation fuels

• Business Opportunities in the Bioenergy Sector

• Biomass Energy Policies 

• Companies in Biomass Energy Sector 

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