Green energy production: The potential of using biomass gasification

Abstract

Biomass gasification shows a great potential to displace fossil fuels. In this paper, the potential of bioenergy production from biomass feedstock has been investigated, focusing on gasification technology as an environmentally friendly alternative. The present research is principally focused on a down draft gasifier equipment kit (GEK) unit. Biomass encompasses a wide range of feedstocks such as agricultural residues, energy crops, forestry materials, food waste, municipal solid waste, grains and starch crops. An efficient gasification unit produces syngas with calorific value up to 20 MJ/kg. Syngas predominately consists of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This syngas can be used in a number of different processes including electricity generation, steam generation, transportation fuels, hydrogen production as well as chemical production, fertilizer manufacturing and consumer products. Results from our research highlight the potential of biomass gasification as a strong alternative for bioenergy production and a substitute for fossil fuels.