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India as a developing economic power, has to rely much on its energy sector for growth and development. The growth is largely interlinked with the availability of energy and its judicious utilization. Also involved is the question whether the available energy is environmentally acceptable and technically viable. With the growth of country's economy, per capita power consumption has also increased resulting greater demands for power. India's power sector is mainly dependent on conventional or fossil fuels i.e., coal (60.1%) and gas (8.7%) (2015). India has around 10% of the world's coal reserves that will last for about another 30–40 years at the present consumption rate. The use of conventional fossil fuels has a negative impact on the environment due to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. On the other hand, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, the country has untapped source of renewable energies such as, wind, solar power, nuclear energy and biomass. Globally, depletion of conventional fuel resources, is increasingly turning the focus on non-conventional sources of energy. The present paper is a review of biomass energy, its sources and its energy efficiency. Even though sources of biomass fuels are widely available all across India, these are still largely underutilized. According to the available statistics, in India the share of renewable energy has increased from 7.8% to 12.3% during 2012-13 and to 12.95% as on 31st March 2014, this paper also highlights the challenges and advantages of biomass energy over conventional fuels as well as utilization and applicability of biomass in sintering process as a replacement for coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rising population in India the demand for energy is also shooting up. This paper examines the potential, scope and the opportunities of biomass in the Indian economy. India, being an agricultural country, has a lot of possible resources from the agronomic sector like crop residue, animal manure, etc., which has not been utilised in an efficient way. This paper also gives an insight into anaerobic digestion and the many other digesters implemented in India. The accelerating economic growth leads to the rapid rise in urbanisation which in turn generates an increased production of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). This MSW can be used in biomass production in quite a lot of innovative ways. The study also focused on the potential sources and their proper conversion technique. The feasibility of biomass conversion and achievements made by India was also looked into. Use of bioenergy in cheaper and economically feasible ways is also a practical solution to the energy crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a high potential for technically recoverable biomass, sufficient to meet part of its increasing energy needs, promote energy access in rural and remote areas, create economic opportunities at the national scale, and reduce indoor pollution. Effective utilization of surplus biomass resources is often challenged and hindered by seasonal availability, extensive distribution over vast and distanced areas, and the embedded socio-cultural factors associated with its use. Therefore, the development of reliable maps for the assessment of available/surplus biomass resources is the first key step toward the creation of a new supply chain for cost-effective bioenergy production, particularly in developing countries. In this paper, a new methodological approach that combines primary and secondary data sets, social factors, remote sensing data, and software, such as GIS applications, has been developed. The main goal is to create high-quality, land use/land cover (LULC) maps for agricultural and wastelands in India. With an acceptable level of accuracy assessment, the paper also determines the surplus biomass resources in wastelands and municipal solid waste (MSW) distribution in three Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. These states were selected due to the high level of agriculture production and thus high agro-biomass potential, the presence of large industrial agglomerations, and the high interest in bioenergy development in these states. The maps show that the highest surplus biomass from wastelands exists in Madhya Pradesh, while high MSW potentials exist in Maharashtra state. The developed maps considered the existing uses of biomass in order to calculate the surplus biomass resources. The presented maps are a useful tool to optimize the locations of biomass-based and/or co-generation power plants in the surveyed states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term “polygeneration” is referred to as “an energy supply system, which delivers more than one form of energy to the final user”, for example: electricity, heating/cooling, desalination can be delivered from polygeneration process. The polygeneration demonstrates unique integration of energy efficiency and renewable energy. It is the next generation energy production technique with a potential to overcome intermittence of renewable energy, reduce cost of power generation and greenhouse gas emissions. The feasibility study of this paper is divided in three sections: In first section of this study, solar and biomass have been arranged to produce steam for power generation. In the second section, cooling is produced by vapor absorption refrigeration (VAR; LiBr-H 2 O) system as per demand load requirement using steam, extracted from pass-out turbine. In the last section of this paper, multi effect dehumidification (MED) water desalination is produced by using limited amount of heat from water vapor (refrigerant; H 2 O) through HE1 of VAR cooling system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication biomass energy resource, potential, energy conversion and policy for promotion implemented by Government of India are discussed. The total installed capacity for electricity generation in India is 2666.64 GW as on 31st March 2013. Renewable energy is contributed 10.5% of total generation out of which 12.83% power is being generated using biomass. India has surplus agricultural and forest area which comprises about 500 million metric tons of biomass availability per year. In India total biomass power generation capacity is 17,500 MW. At present power being generated is 2665 MW which include 1666 MW by cogeneration. The various category of biomass in India is also discussed in this paper. And the research reveals that India has large potential for bio mass feed stock from different sources. Government of India deployed different policies and executed that the strategies for biomass power generation. Such approaches have included the whole biomass energy sector which incorporated the bio gas, bio diesel etc. in the policies. Government of India has focused on the deployment and development biomass energy sector with strategic policy and program which is notable portion of this review paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy for cooking is a major concern of consumers and policy makers in India. Most of the cooking in rural India is done using biomass. Traditional biomass stoves cause significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to formation of products of incomplete combustion. As far as urban population is concerned, around 95% of the population has access to LPG as cooking fuel at subsidized rates. To increase accessibility of LPG to rural areas is economically incompetent option when compared with the solar and biogas as other options available in rural areas. In this paper, an effort has been made to review the developments occurred in cooking sector rural areas in Indian context. The work carried out on different cooking fuels and cook stoves has been presented in order to use renewable energy sources and to identify the barriers of their dissemination. The status of cooking sector in India and the initiatives taken by the government of India has also been discussed and presented in the paper. It has been observed that the government of India is running several programs for the promotion of solar and biogas as cooking fuels in rural areas and it has succeeded to an extent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy represents an area of tremendous opportunity for India. Energy is considered a prime agent in the generation of wealth and a significant factor in economic development. Energy is also essential for improving the quality of life. Development of conventional forms of energy for meeting the growing energy needs of society at a reasonable cost is the responsibility of the Government. Limited fossil resources and associated environmental problems have emphasized the need for new sustainable energy supply options. India depends heavily on coal and oil for meeting its energy demand which contributes to smog, acid rain and greenhouse gases’ emission. Last 25 years has been a period of intense activities related to research, development, production and distribution of energy in India. Though major energy sources for electrical power are coal and natural gas, development and promotion of non-conventional sources of energy such as solar, wind and bio-energy, are also getting sustained attention. The use of electricity has grown since it can be used in variety of applications as well as it can be easily transmitted, the uses of renewable energy like wind and solar is rising. Wind energy is a clean, eco-friendly, renewable resource and is nonpolluting. The gross wind power potential is estimated at around 48,561MW in the country; a capacity of 14,989.89MW up to 31st August 2011 has so far been added through wind, which places India in the fifth position globally. This paper discusses the ways in which India has already supported the growth of renewable energy technologies i.e. wind energy and its potential to expand their contribution to world growth in a way that is consistent with world''s developmental and environmental goals. The paper presents current status, major achievements and future aspects of wind energy in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we present the experimentally determined emission factors and emission estimates of particulate matter (PM), SO2, NO and NO2 emitted from biomass fuels used as energy in rural area of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), India. Biomass fuel samples were collected at district level from this region. The burning of the collected biomass fuels is performed by using the modified dilution sampler based on studies done by . In this study, the emission factor represents the total period of burning including pyrolysis, flaming and smoldering. The average emission factor of PM from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar are estimated as 16.26 ± 2.29 g kg−1, 4.34 ± 1.06 g kg−1 and 7.54 ± 4.17 g kg−1 respectively. Similarly, the average emission factor of SO2, NO and NO2 from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over this region are also determined (SO2: 0.28 ± 0.09 g kg−1, 0.26 ± 0.10 g kg−1 and 0.27 ± 0.11 g kg−1, NO: 0.27 ± 0.21 g kg−1, 0.41 ± 0.25 g kg−1 and 0.54 ± 0.50 g kg−1 and NO2: 0.31 ± 0.23 g kg−1, 0.35 ± 0.28 g kg−1 and 0.54 ± 0.47 g kg−1 respectively). The emission of PM, SO2, NO and NO2 from biomass fuels used as energy in rural household over, IGP are also estimated in this paper. The result shows the regional emission inventory from Indian scenario with spatial variability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by the developing countries. The renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, biomass energy and fuel cell technology can be used to overcome energy shortage in India. To meet the energy requirement for such a fast growing economy, India will require an assured supply of 3–4 times more energy than the total energy consumed today. The renewable energy is one of the options to meet this requirement. Today, renewable account for about 33% of India''s primary energy consumptions. India is increasingly adopting responsible renewable energy techniques and taking positive steps towards carbon emissions, cleaning the air and ensuring a more sustainable future. In India, from the last two and half decades there has been a vigorous pursuit of activities relating to research, development, demonstration, production and application of a variety of renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, major achievements and future potentials of renewable energy options in India. This paper also assesses specific policy interventions for overcoming the barriers and enhancing deployment of renewables for the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India''s energy challenges are multi-pronged. They are manifested through growing demand for modern energy carriers, a fossil fuel dominated energy system facing a severe resource crunch, the need for creating access to quality energy for the large section of deprived population, vulnerable energy security, local and global pollution regimes and the need for sustaining economic development. Renewable energy is considered as one of the most promising alternatives. Recognizing this potential, India has been implementing one of the largest renewable energy programmes in the world. Among the renewable energy technologies, bioenergy has a large diverse portfolio including efficient biomass stoves, biogas, biomass combustion and gasification and process heat and liquid fuels. India has also formulated and implemented a number of innovative policies and programmes to promote bioenergy technologies. However, according to some preliminary studies, the success rate is marginal compared to the potential available. This limited success is a clear indicator of the need for a serious reassessment of the bioenergy programme. Further, a realization of the need for adopting a sustainable energy path to address the above challenges will be the guiding force in this reassessment. In this paper an attempt is made to consider the potential of bioenergy to meet the rural energy needs: (1) biomass combustion and gasification for electricity; (2) biomethanation for cooking energy (gas) and electricity; and (3) efficient wood-burning devices for cooking. The paper focuses on analysing the effectiveness of bioenergy in creating this rural energy access and its sustainability in the long run through assessing: the demand for bioenergy and potential that could be created; technologies, status of commercialization and technology transfer and dissemination in India; economic and environmental performance and impacts; bioenergy policies, regulatory measures and barrier analysis. The whole assessment aims at presenting bioenergy as an integral part of a sustainable energy strategy for India. The results show that bioenergy technology (BET) alternatives compare favourably with the conventional ones. The cost comparisons show that the unit costs of BET alternatives are in the range of 15–187% of the conventional alternatives. The climate change benefits in terms of carbon emission reductions are to the tune of 110T C per year provided the available potential of BETs are utilized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals the policy and planning issues for utilization of ethanol and biodiesel in automotive diesel engines in Indian context in view of environmental benefits, energy self-sufficiency and boosting of the rural economy as well as measures related to implementation and barriers. The main focus of this paper is on transport and refinery scenario, land availability for production of biodiesel and potential sources for biodiesel and ethanol. The availability of ethanol and estimations for its consumption as transport fuel are made and necessary remedial measures to increase the availability of ethanol in the country in future are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this paper is to model a hybrid energy system for rural India. In this analysis a hybrid renewable system consists of solar-wind-hydrokinetic-bioenergy is proposed. Overall analysis including Optimization and sensitive analysis are evaluated by HOMER software. Optimized results are evaluated considering total net present cost, cost of energy, annual electric generation, renewable fraction and CO 2 emission. The analysis is done in order to increase efficiency of the system with comparatively less cost. From this exercise it is found that, combinations of more varieties of different renewable energy system are better to fulfill futuristic demand. Futuristic demand is calculated by logistic growth model. The value of COEs ($) and total generations (kWh/yr) are 0.3563 and 133045; 0.247 and 170948; 0.242 and 179018; 0.241 and 179303 for the year (2012–2021), (2022–2031), (2032–2041) and (2042–2051) respectively. However some other combinations may produce more power, although in such cases, in order to storage excess power COE will increase. As compared to the year (2012–2021) to (2042–2051) the optimized COE of electricity is minimized, keeping Annual cost nearly constant and amount of electric generation is increased without much effect on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation for rural applications through biomethanation process is very promising in countries like India where availability of biomass feedstock is very high. However, sustainability of biomass power plants requires meticulous planning starting from assessment of feedstock availability to collection, storage, transport and conversion in power plant. All these parameters are spatially inter-linked and therefore use of spatial tools such as GIS is helpful in such planning. This paper investigates electrical power generation potential of a newly constructed biomethanation plant in Sonitpur district of Assam, India. Spatial availability of locally available biomass feedstocks for methane generation is assessed using GIS. The GIS is also used for optimal biomass collection and transportation network design. Altogether, 7 different types of biomass feedstock (kitchen waste, vegetable waste, cow dung, pig droppings, goat droppings, poultry droppings and rice straw) are identified in the surrounding villages of the plant within optimum biomass supply radius. Biomass feedstock of the area can produce 37,000 m 3 methane; sufficient for continuous generation of 5.3 MW electricity. Power supply from the proposed plant would improve rural living standard and key areas such as education and health will be particularly benefited. However, biomass assessment and supply logistics would require managerial attention to minimize cost of power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy principles can lead to a series of opportunities to tackle climate change, particularly in cities of developing countries where the generation of waste, consumption and demand for energy is growing rapidly. This paper aims to advance the understanding of the expansion of circularity for tackling climate change using biomass for energy at the urban scale. In addition, little is known about how Circular Economy (CE) flows can be quantitatively integrated, what potential trade-offs exist in promoting Circular Economy using biomass, and how governance models can integrate these flows and contribute to a Circular Economy transition in cities. Based on an empirical study of a city in India, where the private sector participation through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model enabled the use of urban wastewater in thermal power plants, the study presents the viability of Circular Economy models at the city scale. The feasibility of a further expansion of this circularity by co-firing biomass in local thermal power plants was analyzed, as a potential solution for reducing pollution and carbon emissions in a hard-to-abate sector. The result indicated an average 20.5 MJ kg−1 calorific value for torrefied mixed biomass pellets from crop residues, which, if applied to about 447 kt y−1 surplus biomass available in Nagpur would amount to 9.18 PJ of energy (per year). Overall, local power plants demanded about 19.85 Mt of coal in 2017–18, equivalent to 297.8 PJ in that fiscal year. Thus, the supply of torrefied pellets from peri-urban crop residues can meet between 2 and 3% of the demand from coal-fired power plants, resulting in a 0.3% decrease in the emissions from the power sector in India in 2017–18 (i.e., 922 MtCO 2), benefiting different sectors and levels of government. The analysis provides a framework for understanding the technical and institutional possibilities for strengthening the relationship between circular economy and climate change in the cities of developing countries by connecting flows and systems within and beyond urban centers. Therefore, the expansion of Circular Economy in cities can occur by integrating urban sectors and policy coordination at different levels of governance. Partnerships between local governments, utilities, and civil society for co-managing energy, water, and waste in cities can reduce the financial burden on national governments, including meeting national emission targets. [Display omitted] • Urban circular economy can be advanced using biomass in thermal power plants. • Our model estimates biomass contribution to national decarbonization targets. • Biomass pellets can meet between 2 and 3% of the demand from local coal-fired power plants. • Such replacement accounts for a 0.3% decrease (or 922 MtCO 2) in the emissions from India's power sector. • Results contribute to the design of CE models for cities and regions by including different levels of government and sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of biomass resources for power generation can reduce environmental emissions while fulfilling energy requirements in developing countries. But, the biomass conversion to electric power seems to be financially viable under optimized conditions (for some economic objectives). This paper presents a step-by-step methodology to determine the possibility of installation of straw based power plants in a region. Further, various issues regarding installation of power plants are discussed and reviewed. The study takes into consideration the average fuel distribution, the straw collection mechanism, the plant characteristics and the economic objectives. The methodology has been used for optimal sizing of the straw based plants in Punjab (a north Indian state) for minimum power cost and investment. The optimization models that can handle all possible restrictions for installation of the plants are applied and the results are analyzed under the influence of input parameters. The study indicates that the optimum capacity of plant is of the order of 20 MW, which can produce electricity at a cost of 5 Rs/kW h. Each plant requires a collection radius of 14 km for providing a continuous and sustainable fuel to the plant. The capital cost required for installation of the plant has been estimated to be 45,144 Rs/kW. In order to achieve these objectives, it is essential to integrate the power generation system with the biomass management system. The literature review shows that an efficient biomass recovery system is required to be developed for collection of agricultural straw (within the stipulated time) for implementation of power generation programme in the state. In overall, the study reveals that the efficient utilization of straw for electric power requires careful identification of different techno-economic parameters like biomass management cost, scale factor, fuel supply and thermal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results of three United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) sponsored field studies which assessed the fuel consumption impacts of household energy programs in Benin, Uganda, and Gujarat, India. These studies expand on a previous round of U.S. EPA supported efforts to build field testing capacity and collect stove performance data in Peru, Nepal, and Maharashtra, India. Daily fuel consumption estimates of traditional and intervention technologies were made using the Kitchen Performance Test (KPT) protocol to determine the potential fuel savings associated with the respective programs. The programs in Benin and Gujarat, India resulted in significant fuel savings of approximately 29% and 61%, respectively. In Uganda, the homes using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumed approximately 31% less charcoal than those not using LPG, although the total energy consumption per household was similar between the baseline and LPG user groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pongamia (Millettia pinnata) has recently gained attention as a novel biofuel feedstock. However, yield levels and dynamics of this largely undomesticated species remain poorly understood. This study addresses the critical lack of scientific evidence by collecting primary seed and oil yield data from 81 pongamia trees across a range of cultivation types in South India, and is the first to explore yield-determining factors using predictive regression models. Our results indicate that annual seed and oil yield for pongamia trees vary widely, generally staying below 2500 kg/ha and 1000 liter/ha, respectively. This current field performance is substantially lower than commonly reported figures in the literature. Furthermore, the study suggests that a complex interplay between genotype, environment and agronomy leads to large spatiotemporal variation in yields, and that this interplay remains poorly understood. Long-term yield monitoring is required to get better insights into realistic yield levels and mechanisms, before labeling pongamia as a significant, stable and profitable source of biofuel feedstock. The paper concludes with a set of hands-on guidelines for pongamia research and harvesting. • Pongamia's field performance is markedly lower than widely claimed in the literature. • Seed and oil yield vary strongly, generally staying below 2500 kg/ha and 1000 l/ha. • Exploratory modeling provides few insights on yield determinants and their interplay. • Pongamia cannot yet be considered a significant and stable biofuel feedstock. • A set of guidelines for pongamia research and harvesting is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass based energy generation is one of the major focus areas of renewable energy programs in India. The strength of India's biomass resources mostly lies in the agricultural sector. A large quantity of crop residue biomass is generated in India. However, crop residue biomasses are distributed resources with variation in spatio-temporal availability and its characteristics. Competing uses of residues also vary geographically. Therefore, local biomass databases are important for decentralized bioenergy programs. However, in India, state wise crop level biomass database is limited. The present paper assessed crop residue biomass and subsequently bioenergy potential in all the 28 states of India using crop statistics and standard procedure. A total of 39 residues from 26 crops cultivated in India are considered for the study. Overall, India produces 686MT gross crop residue biomass on annual basis, of which 234MT (34% of gross) are estimated as surplus for bioenergy generation. At state level, Uttar Pradesh produces the highest amount of crop residue amongst all the 28 states. Amongst all the crops, sugarcane produces the highest amount of surplus residue followed by rice. The estimated annual bioenergy potential from the surplus crop residue biomass is 4.15EJ, equivalent to 17% of India's total primary energy consumption. There exists variation from 679MJ (West Bengal) to 16,840MJ (Punjab) of per capita crop residue bioenergy potential amongst the states of India. The information generated in this study is expected to be useful for decentralized crop residue based energy planning by the states of India which in turn would positively influence the overall renewable energy growth in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India and Indonesia are privileged with abundant biomass resource potentials, 23 Giga-watt (GW) and 50GW equivalents respectively, yet both countries harvest small proportions, with fundamentally different deployed policies and articulated strategies. In this regard, this paper focuses on analyzing evolution and deployment of different policies and execution of strategies by two countries. It analyzes the effects of the biomass energy policies and executed strategies in India and Indonesia with a holistic approach. Such an approach takes the policy and strategy of the whole biomass energy sector rather than a segmented and separated sector as biofuel, biogas, biodiesel, etc. Furthermore, how they have resulted in different outcomes is also addressed. Our analysis shows that India's biomass energy policy has evolved from incremental to more radical changes, while Indonesia's policy remains incremental. India has also a relatively more unified biomass energy strategy than Indonesia. India has been more focused on technology development and deployment along with strong institutional creation, whereas Indonesia has not been able to create any biomass sector supporting strong institutions. Therefore, in terms of biomass energy utilizations, India has demonstrated better performance than Indonesia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper uses complex systems theory to develop a conceptual model that suggests how development can be catalyzed by leveraging innovation in both technology and social organization to solve socioeconomic problems for developing country populations. Emerging technologies, together with new, distributed forms of organization such as multi-actor partnerships between the public sector, the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), can enhance access to energy, basic services and employment. The model is supported by evidence from a case study of a leading multi-actor partnership in the Indian renewable energy sector, specifically, bio-fuels production and outlines four propositions drawn from the analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jammu and Kashmir the northern most state of India is blessed with immense potential for utilization of renewable energy. The state at present is fairly untapped in terms of energy utilization and thus venturing into this region would definitely prove to be profitable. The natural energy sources like sunshine, wind, vegetation, water flow, biomass and other biological wastes though abundantly available in the state yet are not being potentially harnessed resulting in very low per capita energy availability, deforestation and poor health. Renewable energy acquires a promising option not only for energy availability next view and of environment protection but also the socio-economic conditions of the people residing in these areas can be improved to a great extent. The hydroelectric power has tremendous potential for generation of electricity in the state because the topography of the state provides extensive network of canals and streams. This paper describes the resource potential and opportunity to enter the market and bring more renewable energy projects in the form of solar, biomass derived fuels, biogas and hydroelectric in the state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agricultural residues are spatially scattered in Punjab. The spatial distribution and associated costs on collection and transportation of this resource are the critical factor in planning the biomass based power plants. This paper presents a case study of Bathinda district of Punjab, using geographical information system to evaluate the feasibility of setting up biomass based power plants and optimizing their location. Mathematical models were developed to determine the storage and handling cost of agricultural residue. Geographical information system and non-linear optimization techniques were employed to locate appropriate sites and sizes of power plants. It was found that two power plants and their two collection centres are financially feasible. Power generation capacity is 20 MW (e). The fuel procurement area was in the range of less than 20 km. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass is one of the key energy sources in rural India and constitutes 75% of the total energy consumption. In the tough mountain terrain, the consumption pattern depends on the availability of the resources as well as socio-economic conditions of the people. The present study is conducted at Fakot micro-watershed in Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The present paper explores the variations in fuelwood consumption pattern in the watershed level at different altitudes with respect to family size. In the present study, the fuelwood consumption in the watershed is in the range of 455–2388 gm/person/day. Absence of serial autocorrelation in the seasonal fuel consumption data is observed. Season specific models for fuel consumption are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy plays significant role in the development of a nation. The conventional sources, though exhausting and not environment friendly are being increasingly used. Looking at limited supplies and various environment problems associated with its uses, renewable energy sources are getting attention. Municipal solid waste [MSW] is getting importance in recent years. Having fewer disposal problems is being considered as valuable bio-energy resources. The MSW management involves collection, transportation, handling and conversion to energy by biological and thermal routes. The present paper reports the results of physical, proximate and TGA/DTA analysis, used to select the most appropriate method of energy conversion. Based on the energy potential available, the feasibility of energy conversion through biogas production using available waste has been carried out. The CDM benefits have also been considered. The cost of generation with and without CDM benefits is Rs. 1.36/- and Rs. 1.41/- per kWh respectively as compared to cost of energy from grid [Rs. 3.50/- per kWh]. Therefore power generation from MSW of Haridwar city using biomethanation conversion technology is feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential of biogas generation from anaerobic digestion of different waste biomass in India has been studied. Renewable energy from biomass is one of the most efficient and effective options among the various other alternative sources of energy currently available. The anaerobic digestion of biomass requires less capital investment and per unit production cost as compared to other renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and wind. Further, renewable energy from biomass is available as a domestic resource in the rural areas, which is not subject to world price fluctuations or the supply uncertainties as of imported and conventional fuels. In India, energy demand from various sectors is increased substantially and the energy supply is not in pace with the demand which resulted in a deficit of 11,436MW which is equivalent to 12.6% of peak demand in 2006. The total installed capacity of bioenergy generation till 2007 from solid biomass and waste to energy is about 1227MW against a potential of 25,700MW. The bioenergy potential from municipal solid waste, crop residue and agricultural waste, wastewater sludge, animal manure, industrial waste which includes distilleries, dairy plants, pulp and paper, poultry, slaughter houses, sugar industries is estimated. The total potential of biogas from all the above sources excluding wastewater has been estimated to be 40,734Mm3/year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper critically discusses the scope, potential and implementation of biomass conversion to energy in Indian scenario. The feasibility as well as suitability of the various categories of biomass to energy in India has been discussed. Brief descriptions of potential conversion routes have been included, with their possible and existing scope of implementation in Indian context. As far as possible, the most recent statistical data have been reported from the available sources. The figures reported have been updated as on March 2009, in most of the cases. The discussion reveals that a large potential exists for the biomass feed-stocks from the various kinds of waste biomass. The gasification as well as anaerobic digestion processes seem to be most attractive in Indian scenario. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the suitability and limitations of the Strategic Niche Management framework in the context of emerging economies of South and East Asia. We explore several learning-based approaches to development projects that are part of the academic and practitioner field of development studies. The approaches show similarities with SNM but they reflect the developing-country context within which they were framed, and are also more geared towards local community development and capacity building. We apply these approaches to four biomass energy projects in rural India to identify determinants of success and failure. We then discuss how these findings compare with the insights that an SNM analysis would have offered. We arrive at the following conclusions. First, the great strengths of SNM are its explicit conceptualisation of environmental sustainability and its endogenous treatment of the larger context. Second, the learning-based development approaches hone in on the complexities of local management and stakeholder organisation. Third, they also bring out the great importance of local institutions such as traditional status and power differences. Fourth, we conclude that SNM holds considerable promise for application in a developing Asian context, but that its usefulness and relevance in that setting could be enhanced by incorporating these additional issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four out of five people without electricity live in rural areas of developing countries, mainly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these households use kerosene lamps for lighting. The light outputs of these devices are very poor and vary from about 10 to 100 lumens, depending on the type of lamps and wicks. The paper compares the technology, economics and CO2 emissions of kerosene-based lamps with modern bio-energy systems and solar photovoltaics. Light output, luminous efficacy and energy consumption are used for comparing the technical parameters. Economics is expressed in terms of the cost of useful energy (cost per 1000 lumen hours), determined from the annualized life cycle cost of the systems. Fuel consumption rates are used to determine CO2 emissions of all the devices. This study reveals that efficient electric lighting provides higher light levels and low energy consumption as well as low CO2 emissions. In the absence of grid electricity, distributed renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaics (at individual house level) and modern bio-energy systems are better options for providing good quality and reliable lighting in rural areas compared to traditional kerosene-based lighting. Moreover, these renewable energy systems as well as grid-based electricity systems also reduce CO2 emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: West Bengal is basically an agricultural-based state in India. Agriculture and forest residues are the two main categories of biomass residues generated in West Bengal. Out of the total biomass residues generated in the state, about 79% comes from agriculture. In this paper, district-wise biomass residues generation and the potential for power generation from surplus biomass, in the state, have been estimated. The study is based on a primary survey carried out in West Bengal. It has been estimated that about 2107MW of power generation is possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agricultural biomass has immense potential for power production in an Indian state like Punjab. A judicious use of biomass energy could potentially play an important role in mitigating environmental impacts of non-renewable energy sources particularly global warming and acid rain. But the availability of agricultural biomass is spatially scattered. The spatial distribution of this resource and the associate costs of collection and transportation are major bottlenecks for the success of biomass energy conversion facilities. Biomass, being scattered and loose, has huge collection and transportation costs, which can be reduced by properly planning and locating the biomass collection centers for biomass-based power plants. Before planning the collection centers, it is necessary to evaluate the biomass, energy and collection cost of biomass in the field. In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the spatial potential of biomass with geographical information system (GIS) and a mathematical model for collection of biomass in the field has been developed. The total amount of unused agricultural biomass is about 13.73Mtyear−1. The total power generation capacity from unused biomass is approximately 900MW. The collection cost in the field up to the carrier unit is US$3.90t−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biomass energy has always been considered an important element in the energy planning of a tropical country such as India. However, the attention of energy planners is focussed mainly on firewood and agro residues as sources of energy. In this paper the total annual biomass growth in India, including leaves, grasses and weeds, has been examined. The implication of the large livestock population for the availability of leafy biomass as a source of energy has been explored. The low conversion efficiency of the traditional use of bullock power has been pointed out. The improvements possible with a modern use of fodder biomass through biogas production are indicated. The strategy for a more efficient use of biomass resources has been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

India has over two decades of experience of formulating and implementing bioenergy programmes. These programmes have undergone changes from time to time, reflecting the dynamics of the policy environment. The Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES), the prime mover of the programmes in India, has now responded with a comprehensive renewable energy policy to give a further fillip to the evolving sector. The need for climate change mitigation provides an opportunity for promoting the renewable energy (RE) sector. This calls for an assessment of the policy barriers to the spread of bioenergy technologies (BETs) in India. This paper attempts to (1) assess technical potential and achievements of BETs, (2) analyse the institutional framework for bioenergy development, (3) review policies on BETs being promoted under various RE programmes in India, (4) identify barriers to the spread of BETs, and (5) consider policy options to overcome some of the key barriers. The experience shows that despite several financial incentives and favourable policy measures, the rate of spread of BETs is low because of the existence of institutional, technical, market and credit barriers. These barriers are by and large known, but what still remains to be understood is the type and size of barriers from the stakeholders'' perspective, which varies for a given technology and the stakeholder. Policy options suggested to overcome such barriers include (1) rational energy pricing, (2) incentives to promote private sector participation, (3) institutions to empower and enable community participation, (4) financial support for large-scale demonstration programmes and for focused research and development on BETs for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, and finally, (5) favourable land tenurial arrangements to promote sustained biomass supply. The global mechanisms for addressing climate change such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provide additional incentives to promote BETs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Need of biofuel in lieu of fossil fuel has been justified. • Evolution of biofuel policies in Brazil and Russia were described. • Bioethanol and biodiesel policy of India, China and South Africa were addressed. • Blending mandate and Legal challenges of biofuel in BRICS were presented. Biofuels share a meagre fraction in the total fuel consumption, and their usage is speculated to upsurge steadily in the years to come. One of the key drivers for the development of biofuel production industries and simultaneous dilution of biofuels in the energy market is the country's policy. Hence, this critical review focuses on the evolution of biofuel policies in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations and successful implementation of the policies by the respective countries. In detail, this paper provides legal framework and policies prompted the expansion of biofuel research and industries across the BRICS nations. It extensively presents key laws, blending targets, current regulation, national action plan, government support mechanism (subsidies), output targets, and major hurdles and scope in biofuel policies of BRICS nations for efficient penetration of biofuel to the energy market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field burning of rice straw as a method of disposal by farmers is a major concern as the smoke and harmful emissions from it causes dangerous levels of pollution. Seven out of ten cities with the poorest air quality in the world are in India, and paddy field burning has been cited as one of the main reasons. Hazardous emissions from paddy field burning is combined with greenhouse gas emissions from coal fired power plants and cement manufacturing units, causing severe respiratory illnesses and other fatal health issues. The recent literature indicates an increased interest in rice straw valorisation, possibly in response to the increasing concerns over paddy field burning. However, a systematic study that compiles and compares various rice straw valorisation routes is lacking in the existing literature. This paper provides a comprehensive review of literature on various alternative uses of rice straw in energy and construction industries. Effective use of rice straw as a biomass fuel in energy sector not only reduces the field burning, but also decreases the dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels. Moreover, the proposed utilisation of secondary by-products from rice straw-based energy production in the construction industry can help to attain the goals of resource cascading. The availability of rice straw in major rice producing states of India and the feasibility of establishing rice straw-based power plants are also examined in this study. The potential reduction of harmful emissions from such resource recycling has been determined as per the guidelines issued by the intergovernmental panel on climate change. From the review of literature and the findings of the present study, a sustainable framework has been developed with well-defined cleaner production pathways to create a seamless material flow chain between the agricultural, energy, and construction sectors. Image 1 • A comprehensive review on the valorisation routes of rice residues is presented. • Rice straw based ethanol, bio-fuel, and electricity production are discussed. • Properties of rice straw ash and its use in construction products are described. • A sustainable framework for effective use of rice residues is proposed. • Current status of rice residue utilisation and further research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The on-going climate change concerns have stimulated heavy interest in biofuels, and supporters of biofuels hail that they are considered naturally carbon-neutral. Critiques on the other hand cry that the large-scale production of biofuels can not only strain agricultural resources, but also threaten future food security. People who live in the drylands of India are often faced with challenges and constraints of poverty. Foremost among the challenges are the marginal environmental conditions for agriculture, often influenced by low and erratic rainfall, frequent droughts, poor soil condition, unreliable irrigation water supply, and rural migration to urban areas in search of work. In this paper, we have analyzed a case study of community lift irrigation practiced in India and its impact in boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing local food security. The lift-irrigation model practiced in the drylands of India to grow food crops can be adopted for the expansion of biofuel crops that has the potential to eradicate poverty among farming communities if appropriate sustainable development measures are carefully implemented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The last decade has seen a surging demand for biofuels in the wake of increasing oil prices and rising environmental concerns. The most common biofuel is bio-ethanol accounting for more than 90% of total biofuel usage. It is increasingly produced from sugar cane making cane a strategic crop for biofuels. Given the growing demand for “green” fuels, bio-ethanol production has been supported by energy policies in the past decade, which have consequently been accused of contributing to the global trend of rising food prices and thus jeopardising food security. However, while biofuel policies are an important driver, prices as much as food security will ultimately be determined by supply constraints of strategic crops. This paper hence investigates drivers of and constraints to sugar cane production in China and India and shows that supply side constraints vary significantly in the two countries. China and India both face serious limitations with regard to suitable available land for the further expansion of sugar cane production. Equally they are both faced with challenges to increasing yield output per hectare, albeit different ones. With regard to productivity, China achieved 2.7% annual yield growth since 1997, while India has seen yield decreases of −0.1%p.a. over the same period. The authors conclude that cane used as a feedstock to meet the rising energy demand will come at the expense of converting fertile land for non-food purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asia’s largest biofuels producers are currently Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, China and India. This paper first examines the current status of biofuels in these countries, including the national development targets, strategies, incentives and policies. It then identifies the fundamental driving forces behind the development and promotion of these industries and considers their economic, social and environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]