Biomass Utilization technologies

Diffusion of Efficient Biomass Utilization technologies in non-formal industries in Karnataka And Kerala

This project aims to improve end use efficiency of biomass for energy purposes in select non-domestic, non-formal industries in States of Karnataka and Kerala. The purpose of this project is to ensure that by the end of the project period, non-formal industries in Karnataka and Kerala are, on a sustained basis, installing and operating efficient biofuel utilization devices after procuring them through a normal market mechanism. This project intends to address the problems of: scarcity of biofuel for the consumers of bio-mass, the regional problem of increasing deforestation and the global problem of green house gasses emissions.

Funded By : India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF), New Delhi

The main project outputs are

• A comprehensive database on non- domestic uses of biofuel and non-formal industries consuming fuel wood for energy purposes.
• Demonstration of Energy Efficient Devices at 270 locations covering each of the industry types.
• Creation of a diffusion infrastructure of entrepreneurs, with a set of devices being sold through the market mechanism.

Background

Biofuel, such as wood, is used as the primary fuel in non-formal industries as fuel thus contributing to the stress on fuel wood and deforestation. They add to the global problem of green house gas emissions. One way to mitigate the problem is to reduce the biofuel consumption by improving the efficiency of utilization of biofuel in the Industries. Improvement can be brought about if the industries adopt Energy Efficient Devices, which can effect savings of up to 50% in fuel wood consumption.

The penetration of the devices/technologies to the industries has been limited despite efforts for their diffusion. The major reasons for limited penetration are

• Lack of awareness and hence, lack of demand for these devices/technologies from target industries.
• Lack of confidence amongst target industries in energy saving potential of efficient devices/ technologies.
• Lack of a market mechanism and, infrastructure to deliver the devices/technologies to target industries.

Approaches Adopted

This project adopts a three-pronged approach

• Creating awareness and demonstrating the fuel saving potential of technologies by undertaking demonstration projects thereby boosting the demand.
• Ensuring that adequate suppliers of efficient technologies are present by creating a pool of trained masons and transferring efficient technologies to mason entrepreneurs.
• Facilitating the exchange of energy efficient devices / technologies between the users and suppliers by setting up necessary market mechanisms and infrastructure.

The project , to date, (up to June 2003),has resulted in reduction of fuel wood consumption in target industries by about 9,100 metric tonnes.