Prospects and limitations of biomass gasification for industrial thermal applications in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The paper presents an evaluation of the prospects and limitations of biomass gasification for small-scale industrial thermal applications in sub-Saharan Africa. The evaluation was done through a review of existing biomass conversion technologies that could be replaced by gasifiers and the availability of potential feedstock fuels, an economic analysis of potential gasification projects under different conditions with the use of RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software, and highlighting possible solutions to the challenges which the technology faces. The findings show a continued heavy reliance on wood fuels for thermal energy together with a high use of inefficient conversion technologies in industries. Furthermore, significant quantities of agricultural residues remain un-utilized which could substitute about 40 % of wood fuel use in industries. The economic analysis shows that the adoption of gasification technologies is economically viable, due to the high potential for revenues from fuel savings and the associated Green House Gas (GHG) emissions reductions when agricultural residues substitute or supplement the use of wood fuel. Some of the identified limitations of biomass gasification technology include liquidity constraints of the potential users, the lack of local knowledge in the design, manufacture and operation of gasifiers as well as the hazard and safety issues of gasifiers. It can be said that biomass gasification can play a major role in energy efficiency and a shift from the wood fuel dependency in small-scale industries, which is important for the environment and beneficial to the users. However, there is need for incentives such as tax holidays, tax waivers on equipment as well as reduced debt payment rates to enable industries afford the required capital investments. Institutional mechanisms for easy access to carbon credit markets are also necessary as GHG emissions reduction revenues contribute a significant portion of the annual revenues. Also investment in research and development of local skills in the design, manufacture and operation of gasifiers is vital to further reduce the capital investments and ensure proper management of the gasification-related hazard and safety issues.