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The sugarcane industry has assumed an increasingly important role at a global level, with countries such as Brazil and India dominating the field. However, this causes environmental problems, since the industry produces large amounts of waste, such as sugarcane bagasse. This by-product, which is energetically partially recovered in sugar mills and in the pulp and paper industry, can make a significant contribution to the general use of biomass energy, if the usual disadvantages associated with products with low density and a high moisture content are overcome. From this perspective, thermochemical conversion technologies, especially torrefaction, are assumed to be capable of improving the fuel properties of this material, making it more appealing for potential export and use in far-off destinations. In this work, sugarcane samples were acquired, and the process of obtaining bagasse was simulated. Subsequently, the bagasse was dried and heat-treated at 200 and 300 °C to simulate the over-drying and torrefaction process. Afterward, product characterization was performed, including thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, calorimetry, and energy densification. The results showed significant improvements in the energy content, from 18.17 to 33.36 MJ·kg−1 from dried bagasse to torrefied bagasse at 300 °C, showing that despite high mass loss, there is potential for a future value added chain for this waste form, since the increment in energy density could enhance its transportation and use in locations far off the production site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for alternative and viable energy sources for the automotive industry is increasing due to the fast depletion of fossil fuel reserves. In the present scenario fluctuating petroleum prices. Inconsistent supply, global politics, conflicts of oil-producing countries sky-rocketing energy demands, lacking oil reserves make an energy-intensive country like India, vulnerable to energy security. For a few years, researchers across the world found Biodiesel as a favourable potential energy source to fulfil its energy needs due to its availability, renewable nature, low toxicity and lesser polluting nature. There are various sources of biofuel identified by the scientists and researchers so far, which include edible oil, non-edible oil, animal fats, microbial feedstocks, waste cooking oil, etc. making biodiesel viable for use and economical for production is the very next challenge for researchers. The present work, emphasises on various selection criteria e.g. physicochemical properties, structural composition, environmental aspects, economic aspects etc. to choose better alternative out of the available biofuel resources. This paper will extensively contribute to identifying the most appropriate and cost-effective feedstocks for biodiesel selection for greater use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change, countries all over the world are making numerous efforts to transition to a bio-based economy from a fossil fuel-based economy. This paper looks at the motivations and policy initiatives in India that drive the transition to a bio-based economy. This article focusses on the bioenergy sector and the comparative analysis of the historical developments in the biofuels domain leading to the biofuel policies of 2009 and 2018. As a potential contributor to bio-based economy by ensuring energy self-reliance, clean energy and increasing farmers income, this article analyses the shifts in the policies, the technical trajectories. It examines the opportunities and challenges in developing and harnessing the advanced biofuels and the initiatives taken in recent years in this regard. It points out that there are many challenges and highlights the importance of engaging with stakeholders in development of policy. Considering the opportunities, the issues that could arise and the potential and need for biofuels for energy security and to fulfil other objectives, it makes some suggestions for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of India's population has presented the country with various challenges regarding the exponential growth of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Globally, the increasing volumes of rubbish have made waste management both environmentally and socially burdensome. The development of safe and renewable resources has assisted in municipal solid waste management. Garbage-to-energy conversion has proven to be an effective method for reducing municipal waste. Biofuel and biogas generation from municipal solid waste are among the renewable energy possibilities within the broader framework of waste management. The review examines sustainable treatment methods for managing municipal waste. It provides an overview of the characteristics and environmental impacts of municipal solid waste. To enhance energy generation, pretreatment approaches have been integrated into waste conversion processes. The review underscores the significance of thermal and biological conversion-based approaches to municipal waste management. Biological treatment technologies have emerged as a significant focal point for energy recovery while maintaining environmental sustainability. Additionally, the review assesses the applicability of various Indian policies for Municipal Solid Waste Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper begins with an introduction to the ancient spiritual tradition of India. The focus is upon aspects of ancient Indian philosophy relevant to modern society. In the Indian context, science and spirituality are complementary. The application of ethical and religious motivations derived from these ideas is delineated with respect to the practical implementation of energy projects. The efforts of religious and social groups in promoting renewable energy in India are included. A few bioenergy technologies relevant to rural communities in developing nations are then described. The paper argues that though scientific research, technology development, community-based efforts, environmental activism, and renewable energy policy making are important elements in dealing with the energy crisis, they are not sufficient to solve the crisis. The paper closes with the premise that the main wisdom to be drawn from the religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions concerns the inner transformation that is key to meeting today's energy and environmental crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the depletion of fossil resources, ongoing population growth, and the industrialized economy, energy demand has been rising quickly throughout the world. India is now the world's third-largest oil consumer, surpassing Japan and Russia. Today, biofuel research is conducted worldwide because surrounding two essential characteristics: sustainability and renewability. Biofuels have gained considerable significance as a result of dwindling oil sources, worries about energy security, and the escalating environmental issues associated with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. In most cases, biofuels are produced by subjecting materials that have been densified to the process of heat conversion. In the disciplines of research and development, alternative energy development is a top focus. Due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources, it has become important to find innovative replacements for fossil fuels, such as biofuels, to generate heat and power. Biofuels may be generated using several methodologies, encompassing biological, chemical, and physical approaches. The three steps of densification systems' pre-, during-, and post-pelletization procedures convert biomass into pellets. Several agricultural wastes, such as grain dust, crop leftovers, and fruit tree residues, are available as sources of agricultural energy. Bioenergy from biomass, such as leftovers and energy crops, can be used to produce contemporary energy carriers. This article focuses on an overview of sustainable and renewable biofuel resources and their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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: 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 current energy scenario and policies demand the transition of the fuel economy from conventional fossil fuels to renewable fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, and/or decarbonized fuels. The impact of biomass-derived fuels is well-known as their radiocarbon dating indicates their contribution to young carbon emissions in addition to fewer emissions of particulates, sulfur dioxide, and air pollutants compared to fossil fuels. The various kinds of biomass available in India are already being established as potential sources for the production of biofuels and power generation. In this context, besides the quantity of biomass, environmental and economic factors are critically important for determining the range of conversion processes. Currently in India, agricultural-based biomass is the major partner for bioenergy generation. The annual surplus of agriculture-based biomass from major crops, available after its utilization for domestic use, cattle feeding, compost fertilizer, etc., is about 230 million metric tons (MMT). The estimated gross biomass power potential (based on trends) for 2019–2020 from the selected crops is around 30,319.00 Megawatt electric (MWe) at the pan-India level. However, it can be as high as 50,000 MWe after expanding the scope of available biomass from different energy sources. Moreover, the increasing trend of the country for the production of municipal solid waste (MSW) at a rate of 0.16 million tons (Mt) per day also indicates its potential for bioenergy generation. Nevertheless, its decentralized collection and segregation are key issues to its availability for bioenergy conversion/power generation. Therefore, the need of this hour is an effective utilization strategy plan for every type of available biomass including biomass-based refineries, renewable energy carriers, and/or other value-added products. This review aims to compile the various biomass resources (agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, forest-based biomass, industry-based biomass, and aquatic biomass) available in India and their potential for the generation of bioenergy (CBG, bioethanol, power, co-generation, etc.) through various bioconversion technologies that are available/in progress in the country. It also summarizes the current bioenergy scenario of India and initiatives taken by the Indian Government to achieve its future demand through biomass to energy conversion. [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]

This paper focuses on the design and analysis of a hybrid biomass-solar photovoltaic system for the textile industry with the goal of minimizing the cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The feasibility analysis of the hybrid system is performed based on the resource availability and the power generation potential of the existing biomass power plant near the textile plant at T.Kallupatti in Tamil Nadu, India. The power plant located at the site (9.66°N, 77.79°E) has an average daily global horizontal irradiance of 4.86 kWh/m², which has been validated through NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy data. The chosen site also has adequate biomass fuel availability. The biomass feedstock fuel price varies from $38.5 to $42 per ton on average for the fuels juli ora, bagasse, coconut shell, paddy husk, etc., which are purchased from nearby villages of the chosen region. The comparative analysis of grid-alone, standalone biomass-solar hybrid, and grid connected biomass-solar hybrid systems is performed using HOMER 2.81 software. In particular, an economic and environmental evaluation of the hybrid system is carried out based on the results of the optimization of biomass feedstock combination for maximum power output using the Neural Network toolbox of MATLAB 2010a. The results prove the effectiveness of the stand-alone solar-biomass hybrid system for the textile industry in terms of cost combined with emission reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of biofuels as alternative energy source over fossil fuels has gained immense interest over the years as it can contribute significantly to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy production and utilization. Also with rapidly increasing fuel price and fall in oil wells, the present scenario forces us to look for an alternative source of energy that will help us in the operation of industrial as well as the transportation sector. The pulp mills in India are one of the many options. The pulp mills in India can help us to produce bio-fuels by thermo-chemical/biochemical conversion of black liquor and wood residues. These technologies include extraction of hemi-cellulose from wooden chips and black liquor, lignin from black liquor, methanol from evaporator condensates, biogas production from waste sludge, syngas production from biomass using gasification and bio-oil production from biomass using pyrolysis. The objective of this paper is to overview these emerging bio-refinery technologies that can be implemented in Indian Forest Industry to get bio-fuels, bio-chemicals and bio-energy to reduce GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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: 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: 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]

In the early 2000s, powerful narratives (re-)emerged around the food–fuel–land nexus, which, combined with the financial, food, and fuel crises of 2007–08, sparked new concerns about the finiteness of our resources and triggered, as well as partially justified, the then following land rush. Around the same time, a hyped debate also developed around biofuels as a potential fix to some of the global scarcity problems in which jatropha held a particularly prominent position as a new miracle crop. This study examines the concurrence of jatropha and the land grabbing hype in India, the leading promotor of the plant globally, and asks what effect the global land grab discourse had on actual jatropha investments in the country. To do so, an extensive literature review, discourse analysis, and qualitative survey were conducted, with a specific focus on jatropha investors. The study found that both hyped discourses have impacted investor decisions, but the impact varied depending on the types of company. This study adds a yet underrepresented investor perspective to the global land grabbing discourse and highlights a need to also consider the role of small and medium enterprises in land grabbing processes. [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]

Cooking and heating with solid fuels (wood, charcoal, crop waste, dung, coal etc) generates high levels health damaging pollutants in the home. This study is designed to test whether easy availability of cheap harmful fuels, income stratificatiom within society and awareness regarding negative health impact, causes tuberculosis and asthma, among adult married female respondents, along with profiles of their fuel selection. An empirical exercise, by applying binary logistic model and multivariate regression model, has been carried out using Third National Family Health Survey data conducted in India during 2005-2006. The results of binary logistic model indicate that with easy availability of biomass fuels, respondents are more prone to their usage. Therefore, availability/supply of least polluting cooking fuel may be ensured in reducing the level of IAP to eradicate IAP-related disease affecting most adversely the women. So easy availability and low cost of cleaner cooking fuel should get the priority in the policy criteria of the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is experiencing energy crisis and a widening gap between energy supply and demand. The country is, however, endowed with considerable, commercially and technically available renewable resources, from which surplus agro-biomass is of great importance and a relatively untapped resource. In the policy making process, knowledge of existing biomass use, degree of social reliance, and degree of biomass availability for energy production is unequivocal and pre-conditional. Field observations, documentation, and fill-in sheet tools were used to investigate the potential of biomass resources and the existing domestic, commercial, and industrial uses of biomass in selected Indian states. To do so, a team of field observers/supervisors visited three Indian states namely: Maharashtra (MH), Madhya Pradesh (MP), and Tamil Nadu (TN). Two districts from each state were selected to collect data regarding the use of biomass and the extent of biomass availability for energy production. In total, 471 farmers were interviewed, and approximately 75 farmers with various land holdings have been interviewed in each district. The existing uses of biomass have been documented in this survey study and the results show that the majority of biomass is used as fodder for domestic livestock followed by in-site ploughing, leaving trivial surplus quantities for other productive uses. Biomass for cooking appeared to be insignificant due to the availability and access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in the surveyed districts. Opportunities exist to utilize roadside-dumped biomass, in-site burnt biomass, and a share of biomass used for ploughing. The GIS-based maps show that biomass availability varies considerably across the Taluks of the surveyed districts, and is highly dependent on a number of enviromental and socio-cultural factors. Developing competitive bioenergy market and enhancing and promoting access to more LPG fuel connections seem an appropriate socio-economic and environmental approach to reduce the use of biomass for indoor cooking and increasing the share of surplus biomass for energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated perceptions of a group of Chinese and Indian state forestry professionals (SFPs) related to the potential benefits and challenges of developing forest-based bioenergy projects (FBPs) in their countries. A total of 110 SFPs participated in the study (55 from each country). The results showed that the SFPs widely agreed upon the potential economic and ecological benefits from developing FBPs in their countries. The economic benefits of job creation and additional income to forest departments were the two most accepted benefits by the SFPs. Two potential challenges of developing FBPs-- namely, the lack of suitable technologies and the absence of supportive policies--were considered the most significant by the SFPs. Principal component analysis revealed three key dimensions (ecological, economic and social) of the SFPs' perceptions of FBPs. The findings from the study imply that in order to become viable, the development of FBPs in these two countries must put emphasis on the sustainability aspects by addressing the environmental, economic and societal elements of FBPs. In addition, framing supportive policies, the development of technologies and building infrastructure for FBPs are needed for their successful implementation in China and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that inorder to fulfill the need of biofuel, India has announced targets for blending ethanol with gasoline in 2017. It analyzes the capacity of the country to increase its production of ethenol and the cost-effective mix of feedstocks to meet the 20 percent blend mandate in 2017 and its implications for food prices in India.

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]

Biofuel initiatives in India have gained momentum with the national biofuel policy targeting 20% blending of both petrol and diesel by 2017. Most of India's biofuel plans revolve around using sugarcane for bioethanol and jatropha for biodiesel production. This study, taking the southern Indian state of Karnataka as an example, aims at estimating the potential to achieve policy targets. The study spatially analyses land-use change owing to biofuel expansion and its effects on food production. We used an integrated modelling framework to simulate land-use change and bioenergy production under two scenarios - Industrial Economy ( IE) and Agricultural Economy ( AE). Results indicate that meeting the 20% blending target is a challenging goal to achieve under both scenarios. Bioethanol requirements can be nearly fulfilled (88% under IE and 93% under AE) because of sugarcane expansion. However, biodiesel demands cannot be fulfilled using only degraded lands as currently planned in India, but additional agricultural land (3-4% of the total cropland) will be required for jatropha-based biodiesel production. Food production will not be directly impacted until 2025, because the largest source of additional land could be short- and long-term fallows. We conclude that conservation oriented initiatives, such as water harvesting and energy conservation measures can increase productivities of biofuel crops and reduce fuel demands, respectively. State support and Clean Development Mechanism opportunities can enhance economic incentives for energy cropping. Therefore, a simultaneous and multipronged approach is needed to accommodate food and fuel demands in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an analysis of direct land use change (dLUC) resulting from the conversion of semiarid woodlands in Brazil and India to Jatropha curcas, a perennial biofuel crop. The sites examined include prosopis woodlands, managed for woodfuel production under periodic coppicing, in southern India, and unmanaged caatinga woodlands in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The jatropha plantations under consideration include pruned and unpruned stands and ranged from 2 to 4 years of age. Stocks of carbon in aboveground (AG) pools, including woody biomass, coarse debris, leaf litter, and herbaceous matter, as well as soil organic carbon (SOC) were evaluated. The jatropha plantations store 8-10 tons of carbon per hectare (t C ha−1) in AG biomass and litter when managed with regular pruning in both India and Brazil. Unpruned trees, only examined in Brazil, store less biomass (and carbon), accumulating just 3 t C ha−1 in AG pools. The two woodlands that were replaced with jatropha show substantial differences in carbon pools: prosopis contains ∼11 t C ha−1 in AG stocks of carbon, which was very close to the jatropha stand which replaced it. In contrast, caatinga stores ∼35 t C ha−1 in AG biomass. Moreover, no change in SOC was detected in land that was converted from Prosopis to jatropha. As a result, there is no detectable change in AG carbon stocks at the sites in South India where jatropha replaced prosopis woodlands. In contrast, large losses of AG carbon were detected in Central Brazil where jatropha replaced native caatinga woodlands. These losses represent a carbon debt that would take 10-20 years to repay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass gasifiers with power generation capacities exceeding 1 MW have large biomass consumption. Availability of a single biomass in such large quantities is rather difficult, and hence, mixtures of biomasses need to be used as feed-stock for these gasifiers. This study has assessed feasibility of biomass mixtures as fuel in biomass gasifiers for decentralized power generation using thermodynamic equilibrium and semi-equilibrium (with limited carbon conversion) model employing Gibbs energy minimization. Binary mixtures of common biomasses found in northeastern states of India such as rice husk, bamboo dust and saw dust have been taken for analysis. The potential for power generation from gasifier has been evaluated on the basis of net yield (in Nm³) and LHV (in MJ/Nm³) of the producer gas obtained from gasification of 100 g of biomass mixture. The results of simulations have revealed interesting trends in performance of gasifiers with operating parameters such as air ratio, temperature of gasification and composition of the biomass mixture. For all biomass mixtures, the optimum air ratio is ∼ 0.3 with gasification temperature of 800°C. Under total equilibrium conditions, and for engine-generator efficiency of 30%, the least possible fuel consumption is found to be 0.8 kg/kW-h. As revealed in the simulations with semi-equilibrium model, this parameter shows an inverse variation with the extent of carbon conversion. For low carbon conversions (∼ 60% or so), the specific fuel consumption could be as high as 1.5 kg/kW-h. The results of this study have also been compared with previous literature (theoretical as well as experimental) and good agreement has been found. This study, thus, has demonstrated potential of replacement of a single biomass fuel in the gasifier with mixtures of different biomasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India vast tracts of land (20.17% of total geographical area) exists as wastelands accounting for about 63.85 million hectares. Wastelands are degraded lands that lack their life sustaining potential as a result of inherent or imposed disabilities such as by location, environment, chemical and physical properties of the soil or financial or management constraints. In recent years, the central government and many of the state governments have expressed their support for bringing wastelands, under cultivation. Jatropha curcas has been found most promising for this purpose due to the use of its seed oil as biodiesel and other favorable attributes like hardy nature, short gestation period and adaptability in a wide range of agroclimatic conditions etc. Jatropha plantation helps in restoration of vast stretches of wastelands into green oil fields and can address major issues of developing countries like energy security, environmental amelioration, rural employment generation and conservation of foreign exchange reserves. With the objective to evaluate the performance of Jatropha plants in wasteland conditions, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur has initiated a study in 2006. Progeny trial was laid out in Barha (Jabalpur) locality comprising of 20 superior genotypes of Jatropha. Among them, Gessani Shivpuri 3, Gessani Shivpuri 2, Bilara Pohiri Shivpuri 2, Parsoria Damoh Sagar, Bizouli Janarpura Gwalior 3, Bizouli Janarpura Gwalior 2 and Dewari Sagar 1 genotype are performing better as compared to other genotypes. This information will be helpful in assessing of the potential of locally adapted accessions and provide baseline information for future Jatropha plantation and wasteland reclammation programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Energy plays a vital role in the economic growth of any country. Current energy supplies in the world are unsustainable from environmental, economic, and societal standpoints. All over the world, governments have initiated the use of alternative sources of energy for ensuring energy security, generating employment, and mitigating CO2 emissions. Biofuels have emerged as an ideal choice to meet these requirements. Huge investments in research and subsidies for production are the rule in most of the developed countries. India started its biofuel initiative in 2003. This initiative differs from other nations’ in its choice of raw material for biofuel production—molasses for bioethanol and nonedible oil for biodiesel. Cyclicality of sugar, molasses, and ethanol production resulted in a fuel ethanol program which suffered from inconsistent production and supply. The restrictive policies, availability of molasses, and cost hampered the fuel ethanol program. Inconsistent policies, availability of land, choice of nonnative crops, yield, and market price have been major impediments for biodiesel implementation. However, a coherent, consistent, and committed policy with long-term vision can sustain India’s biofuel effort. This will provide energy security, economic growth, and prosperity and ensure a higher quality of life for India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a Web resources, Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability, sponsored by Harvard University. The site rounds up a host of papers, online books and reports touching on everything from biobased fuels to wind energy in India. An events calendar tracks important conferences and workshops. In the commentary section, guest contributors sound off on topics from how to measure sustainability to biotechnology's role in promoting it.

The article presents data on household biogas plants successfully established by a non-profit agency in remote tribal villages of western India with an emphasis on their impact in enhancing local ecology and relieving economic stress in rural communities. Results show that this biogas plants provides alternative renewable energy source, which has the potential to significantly reduce pressure on forest, soil and associated terrestrial ecosystems. Researchers conclude that environment-friendly biogas technology deserves attention and should be promoted aggressively throughout the world, including the most and least developed countries.

Focuses on a study which examined concentrations of silicon oxide and nitroxide in the atmosphere in India. Background on the emission of the chemicals from biofuels; Factors that influence silicon oxide and nitroxide emissions; Results and discussion.

Indoor air pollution is potentially a very serious environmental and public health problem in India. In poor communities, with the continuing trend in biofuel combustion coupled with deteriorating housing conditions, the problem will remain for some time to come. While to some extent the problem has been studied in rural areas, there is a dearth of reliable data and knowledge about the situation in urban slum areas. The microenvironmental model was used for assessing daily-integrated exposure of infants and women to respirable suspended particulates (RSP) in two slums of Delhi -- one in an area of high outdoor pollution and the other in a less polluted area. The study confirmed that indoor concentrations of RSP during cooking in kerosene-using houses are lesser than that in wood-using houses. However, the exposure due to cooking was not significantly different across the two groups. This was because, perhaps due to socioeconomic reasons, kerosene-using women were found to cook for longer durations, cook inside more often, and that infants in such houses stayed in the kitchen for longer durations. It was observed that indoor background levels during the day and at nighttime can be exceedingly high. We speculate that this may have been due to resuspension of dust, infiltration, unknown sources, or a combination of these factors. The outdoor RSP levels measured just outside the houses (near ambient) were not correlated with indoor background levels and were higher than those reported by the ambient air quality monitoring network at the corresponding stations. More importantly, the outdoor levels measured in this study not only underestimated the daily-integrated exposure, but were also poorly correlated with it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the book "Energy Data Directory and Yearbook: 1997/98." The book provides current information on energy and environment-related variables pertaining to India. Discusses the globalization of the Indian economy and the organization of the energy sector. Presents tables of data, with commentary, pertaining to the energy sector; energy costs and prices; the supply of coal and lignite, hydrocarbons, power, and renewable energy sources; energy demand and energy use in agriculture, industry, transport, and the domestic sector.

The article discusses the book "Environmental Considerations and Options in Managing India's Long-Term Energy Strategy." The book presents broad policy measures as well as specific action plans that India might undertake to move towards a more environment

India is a nation with a diverse economy that requires tremendous resources to completely meet the desires of its compatriots in various sectors. In terms of energy resources and requirements, coal-based power plants can fulfill the bulk of these electricity needs. India is very reliant on coal, which is used in power plants as a primary energy source. However, the usage of coal energy at a higher level continuously pollutes the atmosphere. The Indian power market alone accounts for half of the country's CO2 emissions, which implies that significant action is needed to contain environmental pollution. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a bridging technique and feasible alternative for the carbon fired plant processing of CO2. However, the application of CCS in coal-fired power stations is still uncommon in the nation. At the UNFCCC Paris Summit, India committed to reduce its carbon emission intensity by approximately 30–33% by 2030. In this work, several CCS systems, possible CO2 origins, and emission levels in India are discussed. Various advanced methods for CO2 capture and separation are also highlighted. Furthermore, the current work discusses CCS situations and the applications of CCS in India along with its manifold challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]