Pressure Swing Adsorption Technique for Biogas Enrichment

biogas upgradation methods

Pressure swing adsorption, also known as carbon molecular sieves, is one of most popular biogas upgrading techniques. A typical PSA system is composed of four vessels in series that are filled with adsorbent media which is capable of removing water vapor, CO2, N2 and O2 from the biogas stream. During operation, each adsorber operates in an alternating […]

What You Should Know About Combined Heat and Power Systems

trigeneration-plant-sydney

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a single, integrated system. In conventional electricity generation systems, about 35% of the energy potential contained in the fuel is converted on average into electricity, whilst the rest is lost as waste heat. CHP systems […]

What is the Output from a Biogas Plant

biogas plant end products

A biogas 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. A combined heat and power plant system (CHP) not only generates power but also produces […]

Gasification of Tannery Wastes

tannery-waste-management

Wastes generated by the leather processing industries pose a major challenge to the environment. According to conservative estimates, about 600,000 tons per year of solid waste are generated worldwide by leather industry and approximately 40–50% of the hides are lost to shavings and trimmings. Everyday a huge quantity of solid waste, including trimmings of finished […]

Everything You Need to Know About Hydrothermal Carbonization

Hydrothermal-Carbonization

Most would agree that the production of biofuels is important, even necessary, for our future. There are significant differences in the production of various biofuels, especially concerning the production of biocoal, which will impact the acceptance and use of biofuel in the future. This article focuses on one technology for the production of biocoal which […]

The Promise of Biochar and Bio Oil

biomass pyrolysis

Biomass pyrolysis transforms organic material such as agricultural residues and wood chips into three main components: syngas, bio-oil and biochar (which contain about 60 per cent of the carbon contained in the biomass. Biomass pyrolysis process can be used to sequester the carbon and  remove circulating carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in virtually […]

Biomass Energy Outlook for Southeast Asia

Southeast asia

Southeast Asia, with its abundant biomass resources, holds a strategic position in the global biomass energy atlas. There is immense potential of biopower in Southeast Asian countries due to plentiful supply of diverse forms of wastes such as agricultural residues, woody biomass, animal wastes, municipal solid waste, etc. The rapid economic growth and industrialization in […]

Biodiesel Industry in India

pongamia as biodiesel feedstock

The biodiesel industry in India is still in infancy despite the fact that demand for diesel is five times higher than that for petrol. The government’s ambitious plan of producing sufficient biodiesel by 2011-2012 to meet its mandate of 20 percent diesel blending is unrealized due to a lack of sufficient Jatropha seeds to produce biodiesel. […]

Bioenergy Potential in Thailand

cassava harvesting near khorat 3np

Thailand has tremendous biomass energy potential  with some studies projecting that biomass wastes can cover up to 15 % of the energy demand in Thailand. These estimations are primarily made from biomass waste from the extraction part of agricultural activities, and for large scale agricultural processing of crops etc. – as for instance saw and […]

Everything You Need to Know About Wood Wastes

wood wastes

Wood wastes are usually concentrated at the processing factories, e.g. plywood mills and sawmills. The amount of waste generated from wood processing industries varies from one type industry to another depending on the form of raw material and finished product. Type of Wood Wastes The waste resulted from a wood processing is influenced by the […]

Biomass Energy Prospects in Malaysia

Malaysia Palm

Biomass is one of the most important sources of renewable energy in Malaysia. The National Biofuel Policy, launched in 2006 encourages the use of environmentally friendly, sustainable and viable sources of biomass energy. Under the Five Fuel Policy, the government of Malaysia has identified biomass as one of the potential renewable energy. Malaysia produces atleast […]

Biogas from Food Wastes

fruit wastes

Food waste holds one of the highest biogas potential among different organic substrates as it contains high amount of carbon and can be efficiently converted into biogas and organic fertilizer. Food waste can either be utilized as a single substrate in a biogas plant, or can be co-digested with organic wastes like cow manure, poultry […]

Biogas from Leather Industry Wastewater

tannning-waste-india

The conventional leather tanning technology is highly polluting as it produces large amounts of organic, inorganic and other types of harmful pollutants. Wastes generated by the leather processing industries pose a major challenge to the environment. According to conservative estimates, about 600,000 tons per year of solid waste are generated worldwide by leather industry and […]

Waste to Energy: Biomass Charcoal Briquette Machine in Nigeria

advantages of biomass charcoal briquette

Biomass charcoal is a fuel produced by the carbonization of biomass material. Biomass charcoal briquettes are winning the fuel energy market of Nigeria for being efficient, consistent, long-lasting, and beneficial to the environment and deforestation. That means it’s time to learn everything about charcoal briquette production and charcoal briquette machine. Biomass charcoal briquettes: raw material […]

Everything You Should Know About Agricultural Biomass

Straw Bales

Agricultural biomass as an energy source is a system of interdependent components. Economic and technical viability of this system relies on a guaranteed biomass feedstock supply, effective and efficient conversion technologies, guaranteed markets for the energy products, and cost-effective distribution systems. One of the most important factors in the efficient utilization of agricultural biomass resource is […]

Bioenergy Sector in South Africa

biogas-south-africa

South Africa is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources in the form of biomass, solar and wind energy. The Government’s White Paper on Renewable Energy Policy, released in 2003, supports the development of alternative energy systems with an ambitious target of generating 10,000 GWh green electricity by 2013. The introduction of Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) […]

Clean Energy in Germany

solar energy storage

Germany is one of the world’s most prolific users of clean energy for power, heating, and transport. Germany has rapidly expanded the use of clean energy which now contributes almost one-fourth to the national energy mix. Renewable energy contribute as much as one-fourth of the primary energy mix and the country has set a goal […]

Jatropha – The Wonder Crop

jatropha plantation

Jatropha is a genus of nearly 175 species of shrubs, low-growing plants, and trees.  However, discussions of Jatropha as a biodiesel feedstock are actually means a particular species of the plant, Jatropha curcas. The plant is indigenous to parts of Central America, however it has spread to other tropical and subtropical regions in Africa and Asia. Jatropha […]

Biomass Energy in Africa: An Overview

bioenergy conversion

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in biomass energy in Africa, primarily due to growing environmental crisis, energy security concerns and rapid increase in fossil fuel prices. Africa’s convertible currency earnings are very low due to poor world market prices and decreased volumes of its commodity exports. Consequently, it is estimated that, petroleum imports as […]

Everything You Need To Know About Biomass Pyrolysis

pyrolysis of biomass

Biomass pyrolysis offers a flexible and attractive way of converting solid biomass into an easily stored and transported liquid, which can be successfully used for the production of heat, electricity and chemicals. It is the fundamental chemical reaction that is the precursor of both the combustion and gasification processes and occurs naturally in the first […]

Biomass Storage Methods

biomass-stored

Sufficient storage for biomass is necessary to accommodate seasonality of production and ensure regular supply to the biomass energy plant. The type of storage will depend on the properties of the biomass, especially moisture content. For high-moisture biomass intended to be used wet, such as in fermentation and anaerobic digestion systems, wet storage systems can […]

All You Need to Know About the Uses of Biogas

products-from-biogas-plant

The most common method for utilization of biogas in developing countries is for cooking and lighting, especially in rural areas. Conventional gas burners and gas lamps can easily be adjusted to biogas by changing the air to gas ratio. Burning biogas in a boiler is an established and reliable technology. Low demands are set on the […]

Pathways for Waste-to-Energy Conversion

WTE systems

The conversion of waste-to-energy can proceed along three main pathways – thermochemical, biochemical and physicochemical. Thermochemical conversion, characterized by higher temperature and conversion rates, is best suited for lower moisture feedstock and is generally less selective for products. On the other hand, biochemical technologies are more suitable for wet wastes which are rich in organic […]

Global Trends in Cogeneration of Bagasse

Bagasse

Cogeneration of Bagasse is one of the most attractive and successful 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 […]

What Are the Benefits of Biomethane to the Environment?

biomethane environmental benefits

The planet is already suffering because of questionable environmental practices. It is becoming increasingly necessary to find sustainable solutions to save the earth. One of the solutions comes in the form of alternative energy sources. Biomethane is counted among the few alternatives of energy sources. This is because it is both renewable and eco-friendly. While […]

Biogas from Industrial Wastes

Organic Wastes

Biogas (or anaerobic digestion) technology is an attractive way to manage organic wastes in a sustainable manner. Organic waste includes a wide range of organic materials obtained from domestic, industrial and commercial operations. Most of the organic waste generated in developing countries is dumped into the landfills where it is not only responsible for large-scale greenhouse gas […]

Sustainable Biomass Energy Sector Development: Perspectives

biomass-sustainability

Biomass energy systems offer significant possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to their immense potential to replace fossil fuels in energy production. Biomass reduces emissions and enhances carbon sequestration since short-rotation crops or forests established on abandoned agricultural land accumulate carbon in the soil. Biomass energy usually provides an irreversible mitigation effect by reducing […]

Woody Biomass as a Source of Renewable Energy

wood

A wide range of woody biomass resources are available for conversion into renewable energy in natural forests, rural areas and cities. There are many ways to generate electricity from woody biomass using thermochemical pathway, including directly-fired or conventional steam approach, co-firing, pyrolysis and gasification. Direct Firing Most of the woody biomass-to-energy plants use direct-fired system […]

Bioethanol Production & Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass

how is biomass pretreated for ethanol production

Lignocellulosic biomass consists mainly of lignin and polysaccharides cellulose and hemicellulose. Compared with the production of ethanol from first-generation feedstocks, the use of lignocellulosic biomass is more complicated because the polysaccharides are more stable and the pentose sugars are not readily fermentable by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  In order to convert lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels the polysaccharides must […]

Biomass Energy in the Philippines

Cut sugarcane

Like any developing country, the Philippines is facing a formidable challenge of fostering sustainable energy options to support the energy requirements of its economic and social development goals with minimal adverse effects on the environment. In the Philippines, renewable energy sources contribute 43 percent to the country’s primary energy mix, one of the highest in […]

Biomass Conversion Technologies

bioenergy conversion

Biomass conversion technologies can be tailored for rural or urban environments, and utilized in domestic, commercial or industrial applications. A wide range of technologies are available for realizing the potential of biomass as an energy source, ranging from very simple systems for disposing of dry waste to more complex technologies capable of dealing with large amounts […]

Cane Trash As Bioenergy Resource

Cut sugarcane

Sugarcane is among the most ideal of bioenergy energy feedstocks in terms of efficiency and flexibility, providing gaseous, liquid and solid fuels. It offers the potential for climate change mitigation through substitution for fossil fuels without the need for excessive subsidies or expensive infrastructure development. Sugar industry can make a substantial contribution to the bioenergy […]

Process Description of an Anaerobic Digestion Plant

AD Plant

An anaerobic digestion plant (or AD plant) is a decentralized energy system, which not only helps in sustainable management of organic wastes but also helps to attain self-sufficiency in heat and power requirements. The major components of an anaerobic digestion plant are waste collection system, anaerobic digester, effluent treatment plant, biogas holder, and power generating […]

Global Biomass Energy Outlook

biomass-fuel

Biomass energy has rapidly become a vital part of the global renewable energy mix and account for an ever-growing share of electric capacity added worldwide. As per the REN 2014, global biopower (including solid, liquid and gaseous fuels) electricity generation capacity was 88 GW in the year 2013. With 4.4 GW capacity, India ranked 5th […]

Role of Anaerobic Digestion in Rural Development

biogas-rural-development

The rural population of developing countries exhibit unique resource optimization capabilities as compared to urban populations. Tracts of land are cultivated and cattle are reared and the produce is sold off in the market or consumed. The wastes generated from crop cultivation and rearing animals are also utilised domestically. While the dung of animals is […]

Renewable Energy in Africa

solar-energy-africa

With a sixth of the world’s population, Africa generates a measly four percent of the world’s electricity, three-quarters of which is used by South Africa and northern Africa. According to World Bank statistics, more than 500 million Africans (almost two-thirds of the total population) have no access to “modern energy.” Hydropower accounts for around 45% […]

Biogas Cleanup Methods

Biogas Volvo

Cleanup of biogas is primarily achieved by carbon dioxide removal which enhances the energy value of the gas to give longer, driving distances with a fixed gas storage volume. Removal of carbon dioxide also provides a consistent gas quality with respect to energy value. The latter is regarded to be of great importance from the vehicle […]

All You Need to Know About Biomass Energy in Malaysia

palm oil biomass

Malaysia is gifted with conventional energy resources such as oil and gas as well as renewables like hydro, biomass and solar energy. Malaysia’s commercial demand for energy is continuing its upward trend, mainly driven by industrialisation. The electricity generation in Malaysia was 160 GWh in 2018, Taking into account the growing energy consumption and domestic […]

Everything You Need to Know About Biobutanol

biobutunol-biofuel

The major technical and commercial limitations of existing biofuels has catalyzed the development of advanced biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, biobutanol and mixed alcohols. Biobutanol is generating good deal of interest as a potential green alternative to petroleum fuels. It is increasingly being considered as a superior automobile fuel in comparison to bioethanol as its […]

How UK Hotels Can Save Energy Through Biomass Boilers

biomass hotel

In today’s ever-competitive tourism market, ironing out the bottom line is just as important as attracting new business. Hotels are always under pressure to keep their expenditure down without compromising on quality, and little tweaks here and there can make a big difference overall. But what many clever accommodation managers are realising is that there’s […]

All You Need to Know About Lignocellulosic Biomass

rice-husk

First-generation biofuels (produced primarily from food crops such as grains, sugar beet and oil seeds) are limited in their ability to achieve targets for oil-product substitution, climate change mitigation, and economic growth. Their sustainable production is under scanner, as is the possibility of creating undue competition for land and water used for food and fibre […]

A Guide to Agricultural Waste Management

farming india food security green revolution photo

Traditional methods of agricultural waste management are unscientific and have several negative externalities associated with them. Being the emitter of stock pollutants, like CO, SOx, NOx, PAHs, and aerosols, which accumulates in the atmosphere, traditional practices have a regional impact apart from local damage. Crop burning decrease the fertility of soil. To meet increasing market […]

Everything You Should Know About Biomass Energy

rice-husk

Biomass is the material derived from plants that use sunlight to grow which include plant and animal material such as wood from forests, material left over from agricultural and forestry processes, and organic industrial, human and animal wastes. In nature, if biomass is left lying around on the ground it will break down over a […]

Disposal Methods for Palm Oil Mill Effluent

POME_CPO_Mill

Palm Oil processing gives rise to highly polluting wastewater, known as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which is often discarded in disposal ponds, resulting in the leaching of contaminants that pollute the groundwater and soil, and in the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. Properties of POME POME is an oily wastewater generated by […]

Unending Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion

benefits of anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a well-proven and widely popular organic waste management technology having multiple environmental, energy, economic and social benefits. Anaerobic digestion (also known as AD)  is the natural biological process which stabilizes organic waste in the absence of air and transforms it into biofertilizer and biogas. It is a reliable technology for the treatment […]

Peat as a Biomass Energy Resource

peat-biomass

Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation. One of the most common components is Sphagnum moss, although many other plants can contribute. Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding obstructs flows of oxygen from the atmosphere, reducing rates of decomposition. Bogs are the most important source of peat. Since organic matter accumulates over thousands of years, peat deposits also provide records […]

Biorefinery as a Source of Advanced Biofuels

biorefinery concept

A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and value-added chemicals from biomass. A biorefinery is analogous to a petroleum refinery, which produces multiple fuels and products from petroleum. By producing several products, a biorefinery takes advantage of the various components in biomass and their intermediates, therefore […]

Things You Should Know About The Low Pressure Storage of Biogas

low-pressure-biogas-storage

Selection of an appropriate biogas storage system makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and safety of a biogas plant. A biogas storage system 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 […]

How are Biomass Pellets Manufactured

pelletization of biomass

Biomass pellets are a type of biomass fuel, generally made from wastes from wood products manufacture, agricultural wastes, forestry residues etc. Pellets are manufactured in several types and grades as fuels for electric power plants, homes, and other applications. Pellets are extremely dense and can be produced with a low moisture content (below 10%) that allows them […]

Introduction to Biomass Pyrolysis

figure01

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 […]

Non-Edible Oil-Based Biodiesel in India – Potential Feedstock

biodiesel-india

Non-edible Oil-based Biodiesel in India is mostly produced from the oils extracted from the seeds of Jatropha. Apart from Jatropha, Pongamia pinnata, Mahua, Neem and Castor are also considered as good source of this promising biofuel. Jatropha is a genus of nearly 175 species of shrubs, low-growing plants, and trees.  However, discussions of Jatropha as a biodiesel are actually […]

Waste to Energy in Jordan

biogas plant amman

Waste-to-energy is getting increasing attention in Jordan because of the cheap and abundant availability of a wide range of biomass feedstock, including municipal solid waste, sewage, industrial waste etc. Municipal solid wastes represent the best feedstock for waste to energy plants  in Jordan. In terms of quantity per capita and constituents, the waste generated in […]

Biomass Energy Prospects in Indonesia

Palm plantation

The development of renewable energy is one of priority targets in Indonesia. For power generation, it is important to increase electricity power in order to meet national demand and to change fossil fuel consumption by utilization of biomass wastes. The current pressure for cost savings and competitiveness in Indonesia’s most important biomass-based industries, along with the […]

Everything to Know About Issues in Biomass Energy Projects

Bioenergy-Projects

Biomass resources can be transformed into clean energy and/or fuels by thermal and biochemical technologies. Besides recovery of substantial energy, biomass energy technologies can lead to a substantial reduction in the overall waste quantities requiring final disposal. However, biomass energy projects worldwide are often hampered by a variety of techno-commercial and socio-economic issues. This article […]

Renewable Energy Investment in Malaysia

malaysia solar

The investment community has shown strong interest in Malaysian cleantech sector, especially solar PV panel production and oil palm biomass utilization. This may be attributed to excellent power supply, well developed transport and communication infrastructure, highly-skilled professionals, coupled with attractive fiscal incentives to foreign and local investors.  The strong support provided by the Malaysian Government has […]