The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region offers almost 45 percent of the world’s total energy potential from all renewable sources that can generate more than three times the world’s total power demand. Apart from solar and wind, MENA also has abundant bioenergy energy resources which have remained unexplored to a great extent.
Around the MENA region, pollution of the air and water from municipal, industrial and agricultural operations continues to grow. The technological advancements in the biomass energy and waste-to-energy industry, coupled with the tremendous regional potential, promises to usher in a new era of energy as well as environmental security for the region.
The major biomass producing countries in MENA are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Traditionally, biomass energy has been widely used in rural areas for domestic purposes in the MENA region, especially in Egypt, Yemen and Jordan. Since most of the region is arid or semi-arid, the major bioenergy resources are municipal solid wastes, agricultural residues and organic industrial wastes.
Municipal solid wastes represent the best source of biomass in Middle East countries. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait rank in the top-ten worldwide in terms of per capita solid waste generation. The gross urban waste generation quantity from Middle East countries is estimated at more than 150 million tons annually.
Food waste is the third-largest component of generated waste by weight which mostly ends up rotting in landfill and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, fast-food joints and cafeterias in the region has resulted in the generation of huge quantities of food wastes.
In Middle East countries, huge quantity of sewage sludge is produced on daily basis which presents a serious problem due to its high treatment costs and risk to environment and human health. On an average, the rate of wastewater generation is 80-200 litres per person each day and sewage output is rising by 25 percent every year. According to estimates from the Drainage and Irrigation Department of Dubai Municipality, sewage generation in the Dubai increased from 50,000 m3 per day in 1981 to 400,000 m3 per day in 2006.
The food processing industry in MENA produces a large number of organic residues and by-products that can be used as biomass energy sources. In recent decades, the fast-growing food and beverage processing industry has remarkably increased in importance in major countries of the region. Since the early 1990s, the increased agricultural output stimulated an increase in fruit and vegetable canning as well as juice, beverage, and oil processing in countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
The MENA countries have strong animal population. The livestock sector, in particular sheep, goats and camels, plays an important role in the national economy of respective countries. Many millions of live ruminants are imported each year from around the world. In addition, the region has witnessed very rapid growth in the poultry sector. The biogas potential of animal manure can be harnessed both at small- and community-scale.
There is a huge demand for charcoal briquettes in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE. However the production of charcoal in the Middle East is in nascent stages despite the availability of biomass resources, especially date palm biomass. The key reason for increasing demand of charcoal briquettes is the large consumption of meat in the region which uses charcoal briquettes as fuel for barbecue, outdoor grills and related activities.
The raw materials for charcoal briquette production are widely available across the Middle East in the form of date palm biomass, crop wastes and woody biomass. With a population of date palm trees of 84 million or 70% of the world’s population, the potential biomass waste from date palm trees is estimated at 730,000 tons / year (approximately 200,000 tons from Saudi Arabia and 300,000 tons from Egypt). Date palm trees produce huge amount of agricultural wastes in the form of dry leaves, stems, pits, seeds etc. A typical date tree can generate as much as 20 kilograms of dry leaves per annum while date pits account for almost 10 percent of date fruits.
The fronds and trunks of date palm trees are potential raw materials for charcoal because of the potential to produce high calorific value and low ash content charcoal. Leaf waste will produce a low calorific value due to high ash content. In addition, woody biomass waste such as cotton stalks that are widely available in Egypt can also be a raw material for making charcoal. The contribution of the agricultural sector in Egypt is quite high at 13.4%.
Charcoal is compacted into briquettes for ease in handling, packaging, transportation and use. Briquettes can be made in different shapes such as oval, hexagonal, cube, cylinder or octagonal. An adhesive (called binder) is needed for the manufacture of the briquette. Two common binders are saw dust and corn starch.
Date palm biomass is an excellent resource for charcoal production in Middle East
Continuous pyrolysis is the best technology for charcoal production. Continuous pyrolysis has the ability to handle large biomass volumes, the process is fast and smoke production is negligible. When using conventional pyrolysis technology (or batch carbonization), the process is lengthy, processing capacity is small and there are concerns related to harmful smoke emissions.
Apart from charcoal, continuous pyrolysis also gives bio oil, wood vinegar and syngas. Syngas can be converted into electricity by using a gas engine or converted into a wide variety of biofuels through different processes. Bio oil can be used as boiler fuel and marine fuel. Wood vinegar can be used as biopesticide and liquid organic fertilizer. Low water content in date palm waste fronds and trunks make it very suitable for thermochemical conversion technologies, especially pyrolysis and gasification.
Charcoal can also be used for the production of activated charcoal/carbon. Activated carbon is used by a lot of industries for purification processes. In addition, a number of industries that are using petcoke as fuel can switch to charcoal due to its better combustion properties and eco-friendly nature.
Biomass pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of biomass occurring in the absence of oxygen. It is the fundamental chemical reaction that is the precursor of both the combustion and gasification processes and occurs naturally in the first two seconds. The products of biomass pyrolysis include biochar, bio-oil and gases including methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
The biomass pyrolysis process consists of both simultaneous and successive reactions when organic material is heated in a non-reactive atmosphere. Thermal decomposition of organic components in biomass starts at 350 °C–550 °C and goes up to 700 °C–800 °C in the absence of air/oxygen. The long chains of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen compounds in biomass break down into smaller molecules in the form of gases, condensable vapours (tars and oils) and solid charcoal under pyrolysis conditions. Rate and extent of decomposition of each of these components depends on the process parameters of the reactor temperature, biomass heating rate, pressure, reactor configuration, feedstock etc
Depending on the thermal environment and the final temperature, pyrolysis will yield mainly biochar at low temperatures, less than 450 0C, when the heating rate is quite slow, and mainly gases at high temperatures, greater than 800 0C, with rapid heating rates. At an intermediate temperature and under relatively high heating rates, the main product is bio-oil.
Slow and Fast Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis processes can be categorized as slow or fast. Slow pyrolysis takes several hours to complete and results in biochar as the main product. On the other hand, fast pyrolysis yields 60% bio-oil and takes seconds for complete pyrolysis. In addition, it gives 20% biochar and 20% syngas. Fast pyrolysis is currently the most widely used pyrolysis system.
The essential features of a fast pyrolysis process are:
Very high heating and heat transfer rates, which require a finely ground feed.
Carefully controlled reaction temperature of around 500oC in the vapour phase
Residence time of pyrolysis vapours in the reactor less than 1 sec
Quenching (rapid cooling) of the pyrolysis vapours to give the bio-oil product.
Advantages of Biomass Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis can be performed at relatively small scale and at remote locations which enhance energy density of the biomass resource and reduce transport and handling costs. Heat transfer is a critical area in pyrolysis as the pyrolysis process is endothermic and sufficient heat transfer surface has to be provided to meet process heat needs. Biomass pyrolysis offers a flexible and attractive way of converting organic matter into energy products which can be successfully used for the production of heat, power and chemicals.
A wide range of biomass feedstock can be used in pyrolysis processes. The pyrolysis process is very dependent on the moisture content of the feedstock, which should be around 10%. At higher moisture contents, high levels of water are produced and at lower levels there is a risk that the process only produces dust instead of oil. High-moisture waste streams, such as sludge and meat processing wastes, require drying before subjecting to pyrolysis.
Furthermore, the bio-char produced can be used on the farm as an excellent soil amender as it is highly absorbent and therefore increases the soil’s ability to retain water, nutrients and agricultural chemicals, preventing water contamination and soil erosion. Soil application of bio-char may enhance both soil quality and be an effective means of sequestering large amounts of carbon, thereby helping to mitigate global climate change through carbon sequestration. Use of bio-char as a soil amendment will offset many of the problems associated with removing crop residues from the land.
Biomass pyrolysis has been garnering much attention due to its high efficiency and good environmental performance characteristics. It also provides an opportunity for the processing of agricultural residues, wood wastes and municipal solid waste into clean energy. In addition, biochar sequestration could make a big difference in the fossil fuel emissions worldwide and act as a major player in the global carbon market with its robust, clean and simple production technology.
There is a pressing need more than ever for sustainable, renewable energy sources. In comes the concept of bioenergy – harnessing power from organic matter with multiple benefits including waste reduction. Below, you can explore this further.
Defining Bioenergy
You’re already familiar with sources like solar, wind or hydroelectric power – these are common renewable energy forms that harness natural elements to generate power. There’s one form that has been under attention lately due to its double benefit – it’s called bioenergy.
Bioenergy refers to generating power from biological and organic materials known as biomass or biofuels. These range from plant sources like wood and crops to waste-derived ones like animal manure and sewage.
Types of Bioenergy
The types of bioenergy depend on the source material (biomass) as well as the conversion process used. Take for instance wood- it can be directly burned for heat or processed into pellets that can be combusted more efficiently. Additionally, plants, agricultural residues and their by-products can be converted using various techniques into liquid fuels such as ethanol.
Another source of biomass is organic waste itself which contains a large amount of potential energy when correctly managed.
Importance of Bioenergy
Bioenergy holds an important place in human efforts towards sustainable living because, unlike fossil fuels, it is renewable. Biomass regrows over time so supplying it continuously is possible without depleting the earth’s resources permanently.
Furthermore, if humans maintain a balance in growth and use of biomass, people won’t add extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere – another huge advantage considering greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. This makes bioenergy a potentially carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative energy source.
Role of Fast Rubbish Removal
Companies like Same Day Rubbish Removal Ltd play an instrumental role in facilitating waste minimization. This entity specializes in efficient garbage disposal, ensuring the least amount of waste ends up in landfills, which is not only eco-friendly but also a great strategy in resource management.
By sorting out organic wastes suitable for bioenergy production, they make it easier for power plants to convert it into bioenergy without the initial step of waste collection and segregation.
Bioenergy from Household Waste
Your household waste might not seem like much, but collectively it amounts to huge volumes with potential for energy production. Organic kitchen scraps such as vegetable peels, fruit rinds, eggshells and coffee grounds are all high-energy potential biomasses for bioenergy production.
When composted properly, these items provide nutrient-rich biomass that can generate valuable energy.
Processing Organic Waste
The processing of organic or green waste to produce bioenergy involves several steps – depending on the method and desired end-product. Some methods could deal with using heat or thermochemical conversion while other methods may depend on biochemical processes involving organisms or enzymes.
The advantage of these methods lies in the ability to harness the chemical energy stored in the complex organic molecules of wastes, converting them into simpler forms that you can then use as fuel. This essentially turns waste into wealth – a win-win for everyone and for the planet.
Conversion Techniques for Bioenergy
The technique for converting organic waste to bioenergy depends on the material and desired end product and includes thermochemical and biochemical methods. Thermochemical techniques use heat – pyrolysis, gasification and combustion. Biochemical techniques use microbes or enzymes – fermentation, anaerobic digestion and composting.
Dry, woody waste suits thermochemical conversion to yield fuel oils, syngas or heat. Wet waste containing high moisture works better biochemically to produce ethanol, biogas or compost.
Tailoring the conversion process to the waste stream optimizes bioenergy output. This versatility makes organic materials a renewable power source supporting a sustainable future.
Thermochemical Conversion Process
This type of conversion uses heat in the absence or presence of oxygen to break down organic material. The results depend on the process: Combustion completely converts biomass into heat and ash; pyrolysis, which uses no oxygen, produces liquid bio-oil, biogas and bio-char; while gasification breaks down biomass into synthetic gas or ‘syngas’.
These products can then be used directly for energy or further processed into other forms of energy like electricity or transportable fuels.
Biochemical Conversion Process
Unlike thermochemical processes, biochemical conversions use microbes or enzymes rather than heat. Fermentation employs yeast or bacteria in oxygen-free environments to produce biofuels like ethanol.
Anaerobic digestion also utilizes microorganisms on wet organic material, generating biogas for energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Leveraging natural biological agents, these chemical-free methods unlock energy from biomass sustainably. The renewable end-products power homes, vehicles and industry while nourishing soils, showcasing bioenergy’s versatile potential.
Benefits of Bioenergy Production
Bioenergy generation presents multiple benefits both to you and the environment. As we’ve been highlighting, it’s an exceptional tool in waste reduction but also plays a role in climate change mitigation by providing a cleaner, renewable alternative to burning fossil fuels.
Plus, bioenergy production sparks the local economy by providing jobs, it improves energy security by decreasing dependence on international fossil fuel supplies and supports the agricultural sector via demand for biomass crops.
Limitations and Challenges
While the benefits of bioenergy are plentiful, the sector is still fraught with challenges and limitations. The cost of setting up bioenergy facilities, as well as the complexities of logistics and supply chains for biomass material, slow down adoption rates.
In addition to this, bioenergy also competes for land use with food production leading to ethical considerations about food security.
Solutions to Conversion Challenges
The issues faced in adopting bioenergy are not insurmountable. There are myriad pathways being explored to solve these roadblocks. For instance, using waste biomass such as agricultural or forestry residues instead of dedicated energy crops could alleviate pressure on land use.
Technological innovations are making conversion processes more cost-effective and efficient. Policymakers also have an important role to play in creating conducive environments for investments in bioenergy technology and infrastructure.
Scientific Innovations in Bioenergy
Advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering hold significant potential for improving bioenergy processes. Scientists are developing genetically modified microorganisms that increase efficiency and output of bioenergy conversion. They are also exploring ways of improving biomass crop yields while minimizing their environmental footprints.
On the utility side, innovations are happening in technology for capturing and converting energy from waste biomass – such as advanced boilers and turbines, and more efficient biofuel vehicles.
Policies Promoting Bioenergy
The development and implementation of favorable policies play a critical role in promoting bioenergy adoption. Certain countries have included bioenergy objectives in their National Renewable Energy Action Plans or similar documents to support the sector’s growth.
Such policies often include targets for renewable energy shares, feed-in tariffs for renewable energy production or fiscal incentives for investments in renewable energy technology. These signals from the government encourage investment and boost the sector’s expansion.
Future Prospects of Bioenergy
Bioenergy’s future shines brightly as global renewable energy commitment strengthens. Rising climate change awareness drives further adoption of sustainable power sources like bioenergy.
The European Union’s aim to source 20% of total energy from renewables by 2020 relied heavily on bioenergy contributions. Ongoing research also continues enhancing bioenergy’s efficiency and sustainability.
With these supportive conditions, bioenergy systems look poised to maximize their clean energy output for years to come. Their renewable nature provides a critical solution for meeting present and future energy needs in an eco-friendly manner.
Eco-Friendly Transition
Bioenergy presents an enticing solution in the pursuit of sustainable living. It introduces an effective way to minimize waste while producing clean, renewable energy at the same time. Despite certain logistical and technological challenges currently faced by the industry, the joint forces of scientific innovation and supportive policy creation are set to propel this vital resource into mainstream use for future generations.
In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly pressing, the importance of sustainable living and conscious consumerism cannot be overstated. As the holiday season approaches, many search for the perfect gifts to show our love and appreciation for our friends and family. However, traditional gift-giving often comes at a cost to the planet, with excess packaging, resource-intensive manufacturing processes, and accumulating single-use items.
But fear not! There is a solution that allows us to express our gratitude while minimising our ecological footprint: eco-friendly gifts. These thoughtful and sustainable presents not only bring joy to our loved ones but also contribute to the well-being of our planet.
This shift towards sustainable gifting is not just a fleeting trend but a profound change in how we express our love and appreciation for others. It’s about choosing gifts that are not only delightful but also kind to the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, holiday materials such as bows and bags add 1 million tons of trash to landfills weekly.
In the UK, the festive season sees households discard 30% more rubbish, equivalent to 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2e), compared to any other time of the year. Furthermore, a survey by finder.com and Pureprofile revealed that 4% of gifts end up in the trash. These alarming statistics have prompted a rethink of our gift-giving strategies, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and minimal waste.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to shift our gift-giving habits. But how can we navigate this transition without losing the joy and warmth of giving and receiving gifts? Why are eco-friendly gifts so important? And how can you find the perfect eco-friendly gift that won’t break the bank?
Eco-friendly gifts are not just about being ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ in name only. They are about ensuring that the companies producing these gifts use best practices to ensure their products and production processes do not harm people, society, or the environment.
From reusable items sustainably sourced products, to gifts made from recycled or repurposed materials, the options for eco-friendly gifts are diverse and plentiful.
The rise of eco-friendly gifts
The rise of eco-friendly gifts is a testament to the growing awareness and commitment to sustainability. In the UK, 62% of shoppers now set out to buy at least one sustainable gift over the Christmas period. This trend is not limited to the festive season but is becoming a year-round practice. From birthdays to anniversaries, eco-friendly gifts are becoming the go-to choice for many consumers.
Eco-friendly gifts are not only environmentally conscious but also socially responsible. Many eco-friendly products are made using fair trade practices, ensuring that the makers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. By supporting these products, we contribute to a more equitable and just world.
Benefits of giving eco-friendly gifts
Choosing eco-friendly gifts comes with a myriad of benefits. Firstly, these gifts often have a lower carbon footprint than conventional products. They are made using sustainable materials and manufacturing processes that minimise environmental impact. By giving eco-friendly gifts, we reduce the amount of waste in landfills and contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.
Secondly, eco-friendly gifts are typically of higher quality. Sustainable materials are often more durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the gift will be enjoyed for years to come. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces the need for constant replacement and prevents unnecessary waste.
Lastly, giving eco-friendly gifts can inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. When we show our loved ones that we care about the environment through our gift choices, we encourage them to think more consciously about their actions. This ripple effect can lead to a broader adoption of eco-friendly practices and a more sustainable future.
Sustainable gift ideas for different occasions
Regarding eco-friendly gifts, there is a wide range of options available for various occasions. Whether you’re shopping for birthdays, anniversaries, romantic giveaways or holidays, choosing gifts that give back is a meaningful way to show you care about both your loved ones and the planet we all call home.
For birthdays, consider gifting a reusable drinking bottle or a sustainable fashion item made from organic or recycled materials. These gifts not only promote sustainability but also encourage healthier habits and reduce the use of single-use plastics.
Anniversaries are a perfect opportunity to give eco-friendly home decor items, such as recycled glassware or sustainable furniture made from reclaimed materials. These gifts help create a more eco-conscious living space and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
During the holiday season, consider giving organic skincare sets, fair-trade chocolates, or eco-friendly toys made from natural materials. These gifts not only bring joy to the recipients but also support ethical and fair trade practices.
The impact of eco-friendly gifts on the environment
The impact of eco-friendly gifts on the environment cannot be understated. By choosing these gifts, we reduce the demand for products that contributing to deforestation, pollution, and waste. For example, opting for a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one reduces plastic waste and the carbon emissions associated with its production.
Additionally, many eco-friendly gifts are made from recycled materials, reducing the need for raw resources. For instance, a backpack made from recycled plastic bottles saves energy and resources that would have been used to produce a new one.
Furthermore, eco-friendly gifts often have a longer lifespan and are designed to be reusable or easily recyclable. This reduces the amount of waste generated and minimises the overall environmental impact.
How to find eco-friendly gifts
Finding eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever, thanks to the growing demand for sustainable products. Many online retailers specialise in eco-friendly options and provide curated collections to make your search effortless. Look for keywords such as “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “organic,” or “fair trade” when shopping online.
Local markets, artisan fairs, and sustainable boutiques are excellent sources for unique eco-friendly gifts. These places often feature local artisans and small businesses prioritising sustainability and craftsmanship.
Lastly, consider DIY gifts as a sustainable and personal option. Creating homemade gifts allows you to choose eco-friendly materials and customise them to the recipient’s preferences. It’s a heartfelt way to show creativity and thoughtfulness while reducing waste.
Embracing the trend of gifts that give back
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the trend of green gifts is gaining momentum. Choosing gifts that give back allows us to make a positive impact on the planet while showing thoughtfulness and consideration to our loved ones.
By opting for sustainable alternatives, we can reduce our carbon footprint, support ethical practices, and create a greener future.
Whether shopping for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, eco-friendly gifts offer various options to suit every taste and budget. From reusable drinking bottles to organic skincare sets, there is something for everyone.
Embrace the trend of green gifts that give back and join the movement towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious world.
The Philippines is mainly an agricultural country with a land area of 30 million hectares, 47 percent of which is agricultural. The total area devoted to agricultural crops is 13 million hectares distributed among food grains, food crops and non-food crops. Among the crops grown, rice, coconut and sugarcane are major contributors to biomass energy resources.
The most common agricultural wastes in the Philippines are rice husk, rice straw, coconut husk, coconut shell and bagasse. The country has good potential for biomass power plants as one-third of the country’s agricultural land produces rice, and consequently large volumes of rice straw and hulls are generated.
Rice is the staple food in the Philippines. The Filipinos are among the world’s biggest rice consumers. The average Filipino consumes about 100 kilograms per year of rice. Though rice is produced throughout the country, the Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley are the major rice growing regions. With more than 1.2 million hectares of rain-fed rice-producing areas, the country produced around 19 million tons of rice in 2019.
The estimated production of rice hull in the Philippines is more than 2 million tons per annum which is equivalent to approximately 5 million BOE (barrels of oil equivalent) in terms of energy. Rice straw is another important biomass resource with potential availability exceeding 5 million tons per year across the country.
With the passing of Biofuels Act of 2006, the sugar industry in the Philippines which is the major source of ethanol and domestic sugar will become a major thriving industry. Around 380,000 hectares of land is devoted to sugarcane cultivation. It is estimated that 1.17 million tonnes of sugarcane trash is recoverable as a biomass resource in the Philippines.
In addition, 6.4 million tonnes of surplus bagasse is available from sugar mills. There are 29 operating sugar mills in the country with an average capacity of 6,900 tonnes of cane per day. Majority is located in Negros Island which provides about 46% of the country’s annual sugar production.
The Philippines has the largest number of coconut trees in the world as it produces most of the world market for coconut oil and copra meal. The major coconut wastes include coconut shell, coconut husks and coconut coir dust. Coconut shell is the most widely utilized but the reported utilization rate is very low. Approximately 500 million coconut trees in the Philippines produce tremendous amounts of biomass as husk (4.1 million tonnes), shell (1.8 million tonnes), and frond (4.5 million tonnes annually).
Maize is a major crop in the Philippines that generates large amounts of agricultural residues. It is estimated that 4 million tonnes of grain maize and 0.96 million tonnes of maize cobs produced yearly in the Philippines. Maize cob burning is the main energy application of the crop, and is widely practiced by small farmers to supplement fuelwood for cooking.
If you want to know about sustainable rice farming practices, check this link.
Selection of an appropriate biogas storage system makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and safety of a biogas plant. There are two basic reasons for storing biogas: storage for later on-site usage and storage before and/or after transportation to off-site distribution points or systems. A biogas storage system also compensates fluctuations in the production and consumption of biogas as well as temperature-related changes in volume.
There are two broad categories of biogas storage systems: Internal Biogas Storage Tanks are integrated into the anaerobic digester while External Biogas Holders are separated from the digester forming autonomous components of a biogas plant.
The simplest and least expensive storage systems for on-site applications and intermediate storage of biogas are low-pressure systems. The energy, safety, and scrubbing requirements of medium- and high-pressure storage systems make them costly and high-maintenance options for non-commercial use. Such extra costs can be best justified for biomethane or bio-CNG, which has a higher heat content and is therefore a more valuable fuel than biogas.
Low-Pressure Biogas Storage
Floating biogas holders on the digester form a low-pressure storage option for biogas systems. These systems typically operate at pressures below 2 psi. Floating gas holders can be made of steel, fiberglass, or a flexible fabric. A separate tank may be used with a floating gas holder for the storage of the digestate and also storage of the raw biogas. A major advantage of a digester with an integral gas storage component is the reduced capital cost of the system.
The least expensive and most trouble-free gas holder is the flexible inflatable fabric top, as it does not react with the H2S in the biogas and is integral to the digester. These types of covers are often used with plug-flow and complete-mix digesters.
Flexible membrane materials commonly used for these gas holders include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene covered polyester. Thicknesses for cover materials typically vary from 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters.
Medium-Pressure Biogas Storage
Biogas can also be stored at medium pressure between 2 and 200 psi. To prevent corrosion of the tank components and to ensure safe operation, the biogas must first be cleaned by removing H2S. Next, the cleaned biogas must be slightly compressed prior to storage in tanks.
High-Pressure Biogas Storage
The typical composition of raw biogas does not meet the minimum CNG fuel specifications. In particular, the CO2 and sulfur content in raw biogas is too high for it to be used as vehicle fuel without additional processing. Biogas that has been upgraded to biomethane by removing the H2S, moisture, and CO2 can be used as a vehicular fuel.
Biomethane is less corrosive than biogas, apart from being more valuable as a fuel. Since production of such fuel typically exceeds immediate on-site demand, the biomethane must be stored for future use, usually either as compressed biomethane (CBM) or liquefied biomethane (LBM).
Two of the main advantages of LBM are that it can be transported relatively easily and it can be dispensed to either LNG vehicles or CNG vehicles. Liquid biomethane is transported in the same manner as LNG, that is, via insulated tanker trucks designed for transportation of cryogenic liquids.
Biomethane can be stored as CBM to save space. The gas is stored in steel cylinders such as those typically used for storage of other commercial gases. Storage facilities must be adequately fitted with safety devices such as rupture disks and pressure relief valves.
The cost of compressing gas to high pressures between 2,000 and 5,000 psi is much greater than the cost of compressing gas for medium-pressure storage. Because of these high costs, the biogas is typically upgraded to biomethane prior to compression.
Cogeneration of bagasse is one of the most attractive and successful biomass energy projects that have already been demonstrated in many sugarcane producing countries such as Mauritius, Reunion Island, India and Brazil. Combined heat and power from sugarcane in the form of power generation offers renewable energy options that promote sustainable development, take advantage of domestic resources, increase profitability and competitiveness in the industry, and cost-effectively address climate mitigation and other environmental goals.
According to World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE) report on Bagasse Cogeneration, bagasse-based cogeneration could deliver up to 25% of current power demand requirements in the world’s main cane producing countries. The overall potential share in the world’s major developing country producers exceeds 7%.
There is abundant opportunity for the wider use of bagasse-based cogeneration in sugarcane-producing countries. It is especially great in the world’s main cane producing countries like Brazil, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Philippines and Vietnam. Yet this potential remains by and large unexploited.
Using bagasse to generate power represents an opportunity to generate significant revenue through the sale of electricity and carbon credits. Additionally, cogeneration of heat and power allows sugar producers to meet their internal energy requirements and drastically reduce their operational costs, in many cases by as much as 25%. Burning bagasse also removes a waste product through its use as a feedstock for the electrical generators and steam turbines.
Most sugarcane mills around the globe have achieved energy self-sufficiency for the manufacture of raw sugar and can also generate a small amount of exportable electricity. However, using traditional equipment such as low-pressure boilers and counter-pressure turbo alternators, the level and reliability of electricity production is not sufficient to change the energy balance and attract interest for export to the electric power grid.
On the other hand, revamping the boiler house of sugar mills with high pressure boilers and condensing extraction steam turbine can substantially increase the level of exportable electricity. This experience has been witnessed in Mauritius, where, following major changes in the processing configurations, the exportable electricity from its sugar factory increased from around 30-40 kWh to around 100–140 kWh per ton cane crushed.
In Brazil, the world’s largest cane producer, most of the sugar mills are upgrading their boiler configurations to 42 bars or even higher pressure of up to 67 bars.
Technology Options
The prime technology for sugar mill cogeneration is the conventional steam-Rankine cycle design for conversion of fuel into electricity. A combination of stored and fresh bagasse is usually fed to a specially designed furnace to generate steam in a boiler at typical pressures and temperatures of usually more than 40 bars and 440°C respectively.
The high pressure steam is then expanded either in a back pressure or single extraction back pressure or single extraction condensing or double extraction cum condensing type turbo generator operating at similar inlet steam conditions.
35MW Bagasse and Coal CHP Plant in Mauritius
Due to high pressure and temperature, as well as extraction and condensing modes of the turbine, higher quantum of power gets generated in the turbine–generator set, over and above the power required for sugar process, other by-products, and cogeneration plant auxiliaries. The excess power generated in the turbine generator set is then stepped up to extra high voltage of 66/110/220 kV, depending on the nearby substation configuration and fed into the nearby utility grid.
As the sugar industry operates seasonally, the boilers are normally designed for multi-fuel operations, so as to utilize mill bagasse, sugarcane trash, crop residues, coal and other fossil fuel, so as to ensure year round operation of the power plant for export to the grid.
Latest Trends
Modern power plants use higher pressures, up to 87 bars or more. The higher pressure normally generates more power with the same quantity of Bagasse or biomass fuel. Thus, a higher pressure and temperature configuration is a key in increasing exportable surplus electricity.
In general, 67 bars pressure and 495°C temperature configurations for sugar mill cogeneration plants are well-established in many sugar mills in India. Extra high pressure at 87 bars and 510°C, configuration comparable to those in Mauritius, is the current trend and there are about several projects commissioned and operating in India and Brazil. The average increase of power export from 40 bars to 60 bars to 80 bars stages is usually in the range of 7-10%.
A promising alternative to steam turbines are gas turbines fuelled by gas produced by thermochemical conversion of biomass. The exhaust is used to raise steam in heat recovery systems used in any of the following ways: heating process needs in a cogeneration system, for injecting back into gas turbine to raise power output and efficiency in a steam-injected gas turbine cycle (STIG) or expanding through a steam turbine to boost power output and efficiency in a gas turbine/steam turbine combined cycle (GTCC).
Gas turbines, unlike steam turbines, are characterized by lower unit capital costs at modest scale, and the most efficient cycles are considerably more efficient than comparably sized steam turbines.
A wide range of bioenergy technologies are available for realizing the energy potential of biomass wastes, ranging from very simple systems for disposing of dry waste to more complex technologies capable of dealing with large amounts of industrial waste. Conversion routes for biomass wastes are generally thermo-chemical or bio-chemical, but may also include chemical and physical.
Thermal Technologies
The three principal methods of thermo-chemical conversion corresponding to each of these energy carriers are combustion in excess air, gasification in reduced air, and pyrolysis in the absence of air. Direct combustion is the best established and most commonly used technology for converting wastes to heat.
During combustion, biomass is burnt in excess air to produce heat. The first stage of combustion involves the evolution of combustible vapours from wastes, which burn as flames. Steam is expanded through a conventional turbo-alternator to produce electricity. The residual material, in the form of charcoal, is burnt in a forced air supply to give more heat.
Co-firing or co-combustion of biomass wastes with coal and other fossil fuels can provide a short-term, low-risk, low-cost option for producing renewable energy while simultaneously reducing the use of fossil fuels. Co-firing involves utilizing existing power generating plants that are fired with fossil fuel (generally coal), and displacing a small proportion of the fossil fuel with renewable biomass fuels.
Co-firing has the major advantage of avoiding the construction of new, dedicated, waste-to-energy power plant. An existing power station is modified to accept the waste resource and utilize it to produce a minor proportion of its electricity.
Gasification systems operate by heating biomass wastes in an environment where the solid waste breaks down to form a flammable gas. The gasification of biomass takes place in a restricted supply of air or oxygen at temperatures up to 1200–1300°C. The gas produced—synthesis gas, or syngas—can be cleaned, filtered, and then burned in a gas turbine in simple or combined-cycle mode, comparable to LFG or biogas produced from an anaerobic digester.
The final fuel gas consists principally of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane with small amounts of higher hydrocarbons. This fuel gas may be burnt to generate heat; alternatively it may be processed and then used as fuel for gas-fired engines or gas turbines to drive generators. In smaller systems, the syngas can be fired in reciprocating engines, micro-turbines, Stirling engines, or fuel cells.
Pyrolysis is thermal decomposition occurring in the absence of oxygen. During the pyrolysis process, biomass waste is heated either in the absence of air (i.e. indirectly), or by the partial combustion of some of the waste in a restricted air or oxygen supply. This results in the thermal decomposition of the waste to form a combination of a solid char, gas, and liquid bio-oil, which can be used as a liquid fuel or upgraded and further processed to value-added products.
Biochemical Technologies
Biochemical processes, like anaerobic digestion, can also produce clean energy in the form of biogas which can be converted to power and heat using a gas engine. Anaerobic digestion is a series of chemical reactions during which organic material is decomposed through the metabolic pathways of naturally occurring microorganisms in an oxygen depleted environment. In addition, wastes can also yield liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, which can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels.
Anaerobic digestion is the natural biological process which stabilizes organic waste in the absence of air and transforms it into biogas and biofertilizer. Almost any organic material can be processed with anaerobic digestion. This includes biodegradable waste materials such as municipal solid waste, animal manure, poultry litter, food wastes, sewage and industrial wastes.
An anaerobic digestion plant produces two outputs, biogas and digestate, both can be further processed or utilized to produce secondary outputs. Biogas can be used for producing electricity and heat, as a natural gas substitute and also a transportation fuel. Digestate can be further processed to produce liquor and a fibrous material. The fiber, which can be processed into compost, is a bulky material with low levels of nutrients and can be used as a soil conditioner or a low level fertilizer.
A variety of fuels can be produced from biomass wastes including liquid fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and gaseous fuels, such as hydrogen and methane. The resource base for biofuel production is composed of a wide variety of forestry and agricultural resources, industrial processing residues, and municipal solid and urban wood residues.
The largest potential feedstock for ethanol is lignocellulosic biomass wastes, which includes materials such as agricultural residues (corn stover, crop straws and bagasse), herbaceous crops (alfalfa, switchgrass), short rotation woody crops, forestry residues, waste paper and other wastes (municipal and industrial).
The three major steps involved in cellulosic ethanol production are pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation. Biomass is pretreated to improve the accessibility of enzymes. After pretreatment, biomass undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis for conversion of polysaccharides into monomer sugars, such as glucose and xylose. Subsequently, sugars are fermented to ethanol by the use of different microorganisms. Bioethanol production from these feedstocks could be an attractive alternative for disposal of these residues. Importantly, lignocellulosic feedstocks do not interfere with food security.
Raising funds for a biomass energy project can be challenging. You can achieve your sustainable energy goals with creativity and determination. Starting your biomass project is a perfect way to take good care of the environment for future generations to enjoy.
Ways To Fundraise For A Biomass Energy Project
1. Start A Crowdfunding Campaign
Kickstart your fundraising for your biomass energy project with a crowdfunding campaign on different crowdfunding platforms. Craft a compelling story about your project’s environmental benefits. Sweeten the deal by offering special rewards and keeping backers in the loop with updates. It’s a great way to get support rolling in.
2. Look For Government Support
Keep an eye out for government incentives, subsidies, or grants for your biomass project. Many countries offer financial support to boost sustainable energy sources. Explore what’s available at the national, regional, and local levels. It’s a smart move to tap into these resources and turn your sustainable energy dreams into reality.
3. Create A Picture Book
A cool fundraising idea is to create a picture book showcasing your past successful biomass energy projects. You can design photo book templates to show how these projects benefit the environment and communities.
You can also use your masterpiece as a thank-you gift to donors or sell it to raise funds. It’s a great way to build trust with potential supporters by showing your track record and gratitude for their support.
4. Team Up With The Right People
Consider teaming up with businesses that share your mission and passion for the environment. Some companies love investing in sustainable energy to give back to the environment and care for the planet. You can work together and team up to achieve your goals. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
5. Organize Fund-raising Events
Organize fun fundraising events like charity dinners, auctions, or gatherings with an environmental twist. These could give you the perfect opportunity to educate attendees about your cause. It is a fun way to spread awareness about the benefits of biomass energy while gaining funds for your project.
6. Workshops And Seminars
Why not organize some workshops or seminars focused on biomass energy? You can encourage attendees to donate or commit to supporting your project during these events. It’s a great chance to educate them about the science behind biomass energy and how it benefits our environment. Plus, you’ll be gathering support for your important initiative.
7. Look Out For Microloans
Take a look online for microloans aimed at green energy projects. You’ll find small loans from individuals who are eager to support sustainable initiatives. It can help you with your money problems and help your cause. Taking out a loan is a big help for your goals and the environment.
8. Involve The Community
Get your community on board with your biomass energy project by giving them a chance to invest. Consider offering them bonds or shares so they can join in and share the project’s success. It is a fantastic way to let the community help preserve the environment. Everybody gets to help save the planet in their own way.
9. Seek Help From Government Agencies
Explore deals with government agencies or eco-conscious energy companies. They could be your ticket to a stable income for your biomass energy project. You may need all the help you can get to raise your funds. Take advantage of companies that are willing to help you achieve your goals.
The Bottom Line
Fundraising for a biomass project can be a challenging journey. Raising money for your cause is always tricky when it comes to these things. You need to make efforts to convince potential donors to help you with your cause. Use the different ways given above to help speed up raising funds to help the environment.
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