Search

Clean energy transition via utilizing biomass resources has been projected as an important climate change mitigation strategy. A vital characteristic of biomass is its localized nature; therefore, bioenergy utilization should follow decentralized planning. Agrarian countries like India can take benefit of its large agricultural biomass waste pool to produce clean renewable energy. However, prior knowledge of spatio-temporal distribution, competing uses, and biomass characteristics are necessary for successful bioenergy planning. This paper assesses biomass resource and its power generation potential at different agro-climatic zone levels in the state of Rajasthan, India considering crop residue biomass (25 different crop residues from 14 crops) and livestock manure (from cattle, buffalo, and poultry). Uncertainties associated with the availability of biomass and the power generation potential are assessed for each agro-climatic zone under different scenarios. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from biomass-based power generations are also estimated and compared with biomass-equivalent coal power plants. It is observed that the annual biomass power potential of Rajasthan is 3056 MW (2496 MW from crop residues and 560 MW from livestock manure). Scenario analysis suggests that the potential varies from 2445 to 6045 MW under different biomass availability and power plant operating conditions. Annual GHGs emissions due to biomass power generation is 5053 kt CO 2 eq. Replacing coal-based power with biomass power would result in annual GHGs savings of 11412 kt CO 2 eq. The paper also discusses various carriers and barriers viz. logistics, institutional, financial and technical in setting up decentralized bioenergy plants. Outcomes of the present study are expected to assist renewable energy planners in India. • Biomass resources and their power potential are assessed for Rajasthan, India. •Biomass power potential for different selected scenario ranges from 2445-6045 MW. •GHG emissions from biomass power is assessed and compared with fossil fuels. •Spatio-temporal variability, low density and logistics are limitations of biomass. •Favourable policies, technologies and market can help to promote bioenergy sector. [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]