Abstract
Rising energy security concerns associated with the depleting fossil fuel reserves have triggered renewed interests in the utilisation of biomass for energy. Highly vulnerable to the energy instability, developing countries are turning to thermochemical technologies for the conversion of biomass to biofuels to displace the use of the traditional fossil fuels. A comparative analysis of the potentials of thermochemical conversion technologies of biomass to biofuels and energy in developing countries was conducted. The current status of biomass combustion, cogeneration, gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction were assessed in different emerging economies, namely, South Africa, Ghana, Malaysia, China, India, Thailand, Tanzania, Brazil and Mauritius. Biomass combustion and cogeneration held the foothold at commercial level both in industrialised and developing countries based on technology maturity and reliability. Biomass gasification is evolving as an eminent method for the production of energy and power in various developing countries. India and China have already embarked on the commercialisation of biomass gasification projects, while other nations have enrolled on pilot-scale schemes. The effectiveness, versatility and environment-friendly aspect of biomass gasification have favoured its preferred integration in the energy system in contrast to combustion and other techniques. Biomass pyrolysis is as promising as gasification in the production of pyrolysis oil to generate transportation fuels. Presently limited at demonstration scale, pyrolysis is being extensively investigated to promote its rapid scale-up and commercial application. Pyrolysis oil represents a crucial resource for the generation of other biofuels, chemicals and power. Torrefaction is a desirable pre-treatment prior to advanced thermal treatment of biomass as it enhances the energy density of processed biomass. Still in its infancy, torrefaction is recurrently being studied to facilitate its large-scale application. The reluctance to adopt biomass thermochemical conversion technologies in developing countries is accounted by economical, technical and social issues. Thermochemical conversion of biomass to biofuel can become important Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects with mitigated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the long run.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ahiataku-Togobo, W., & Ofosu-Ahenkorah, A. (2009) Bioenergy policy implementation in Ghana. In COMPETE international conference, online. Available at: http://www.compete-bioafrica.net/events/events2/zambia/Session-2/2-2-COMPETE-Conference-Lusaka-Togobo-Ghana.pdf.
Alonso-Pippo, W., Rocha, J. D., Mesa-Pérez, J. M., Olivares-Gómez, E., & Cortez, L. A. B. (2004). Emergy evaluation of bio-oil production using sugarcane biomass residues at fast pyrolysis plant in Brazil. In E. Ortega & S. Ulgiati (Eds.), Proceedings of IV biennial international workshop “Advances in Energy Studies”, Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Arena, U. (2012). Process and technological aspects of municipal solid waste gasification. A review. Waste Management, 32, 625–639.
Atakora, S.-B. (2000). Biomass technologies in Ghana. In The ninth biennial bioenergy conference 2000. Available at: http://www.nrbp.org/papers/046.pdf.
Balat, M., Balat, M., Kırtay, E., & Balat, H. (2009). Main routes for the thermo-conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals. Part 1: Pyrolysis systems. Energy Conversion and Management, 50, 3147–3157.
Belgiorno, V., De Feo, G., Della Rocca, C., & Napoli, R. M. A. (2003). Energy from gasification of solid wastes. Waste Management, 23, 1–15.
Bioenergy Science Technology and Innovation Policy Group. (2013). Thailand bioenergy technology status report 2013. Available at: http://www.sti.or.th/th/images/stories/files/1_Thailand_Bioenergy_Technology_Status_Report_2013%20-%20July%2029_Final%20(2).pdf
Birol, F. (2006). World energy prospects and challenges. Australian Economic Review, 39, 190–195.
Bole-Rentel, T., & Bruinsma, D. (2013) The bioenergy sector in South Africa, market entry study for technology providers from the Netherlands. Available at: http://worldviewmission.nl/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/WM-Agendschap-nl-1339-Presentatie-biomass-study-Tjasa-Bole.pdf.
Bosmans, A., Vanderreydt, I., Geysen, D., & Helsen, L. (2013). The crucial role of waste-to-energy technologies in enhanced landfill mining: A technology review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 55, 10–23.
Bradley, D. (2006). European market study for BioOil (Pyrolysis Oil). In Climate change solutions.Available at:http://www.bioenergytrade.org/downloads/bradleyeuropeanbiooilmarketstudyfinaldec15.pdf.
Bridgwater, A. V. (2004). Biomass fast pyrolysis. Thermal Science, 8(2), 21–50.
Bridgwater, A. V. (2012). Review of fast pyrolysis of biomass and product upgrading. Biomass and Bioenergy, 38, 68–94.
Buragohain, B., Mahanta, P., & Moholkar, V. S. (2010). Biomass gasification for decentralized power generation: The Indian perspective. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14, 73–92.
Canabarro, N., Soares, J. F., Anchieta, C. G., Kelling, C. S., & Mazutti, M. A. (2013). Thermochemical processes for biofuels production from biomass. Sustainable Chemical Processes, 1–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/2043-7129-1-22
Chen, Q., Zhou, J. S., Liu, B. J., Mei, Q. F., & Luo, Z. Y. (2011). Influence of torrefaction pretreatment on biomass gasification technology. Chinese Science Bulletin, 56(14), 1449–1456.
Chen, W. H., & Kuo, P. C. (2010). A study on torrefaction of various biomass materials and its impact on lignocellulosic structure simulated by a thermogravimetry. Energy, 35, 2580–2586.
Chen, W. H., Lu, K. M., & Tsai, C. M. (2012). An experimental analysis on property and structure variations of agricultural wastes undergoing torrefaction. Applied Energy, 100, 318–325.
Chew, J. J., & Doshi, V. (2011). Recent advances in biomass pretreatment—Torrefaction fundamentals and technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15, 4212–4222.
CSO. (2013). Digest of energy and water statistics. Available at: http://statsmauritius.govmu.org/English/Publications/Documents/Regular%20Reports/energy%20and%20water/Energy2013.pdf.
Deenapanray, S. (2006). Synthesis report on renewable energy. MRC, online. Available at: http://www.mrc.org.mu/Projects/REReport.pdf.
Deng, J., Wang, G. J., Kuang, J. H., Zhang, Y. L., & Luo, Y. H. (2009). Pretreatment of agricultural residues for co-gasification via torrefaction. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 86, 331–337.
Dermibas, A. (2009). Biofuels securing the planet’s future energy needs. Energy Conversion and Management, 50, 2239–2249.
Duku, M. H., Gu, S., & Hagan, E. B. (2011). A comprehensive review of biomass resources and biofuels potential in Ghana. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15, 404–415.
Ericsson, K. (2007). Co-firing—A strategy for bioenergy in Poland? Energy, 32(10), 1838–1847.
Faaij, A. (2006). Modern biomass conversion technologies. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 11, 343–375.
Fei, L. (2012) Case-based study on biomass combustion power generation in China. Thesis (Masters), Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.
Girard, P., & Fallot, A. (2006). Review of existing and emerging technologies for the production of biofuels in developing countries. Energy for Sustainable Development, 2, 92–108.
Han, J., & Kim, H. (2008). The reduction and control technology of tar during biomass gasification/pyrolysis: An overview. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 12(2), 397–416.
Higman, C. (2014). State of the gasification industry: Worldwide gasification database 2014 update. In Gasification technologies conference, Washington, DC. Available at: http://www.gasification.org/uploads/downloads/GTC_Database_2014.pdf.
Huber, G. W., Iborra, S., & Corma, A. (2006). Synthesis of transportation fuels from biomass: Chemistry, catalysts, and engineering. Chemical Reviews, 106, 4044–4098.
Jahirul, M. I., Rasul, M. J., Chowdhury, A. A., & Ashwath, N. (2012). Biofuels production through biomass pyrolysis—A technological review. Energies, 5(12), 4952–5001.
Jolly, L. (2003). Agriculture: A source of green energy, online. Available at: http://www.mchagric.org/images/pdf/l_jolly.pdf.
Jones, S. B., Holladay, J. E., Valkenburg, C., Stevens, D. J., Walton, C. W., Kinchin, C., et al. (2009). Production of gasoline and diesel from biomass via fast pyrolysis, hydrotreating and hydrocracking: A design case. U.S. Department of Energy, USA. Available at: http://www.pnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-18284.pdf.
Junker, H. (2005). Cofiring of 500 MW coal-fired power plant with 10% EFB bales or 5% shells and as a 2015 scenario 10% cofiring of POFF. Available at: http://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/DB/DNV-CUK1174646628.13/ReviewInitialComments/L098VJ5PJ700XB67UXNM4BFJMQEG2W.
Kleinschmidt, C. P. (2011). Overview of international developments in torrefaction. Arnhem: KEMA.
Kong Win Chang, K. T. K. F., Lau Ah Wing, A. F., & Wong Sak Hoi, L. (1999). Bagasse gasification technologies for electricity production in the sugar industry. In Proceedings of South African Sugar Technologists’ Association (Vol. 73, pp. 247–250).
Kusekwa, A. M. (2013). Biomass conversion to energy in Tanzania: A critique. In Hasan A. and Ibrahim Y. (Eds.), New development in renewable energy (pp. 240–270). ISBN 978-953-51-1040-8.
Larson, E. D. (2008). Biofuel production technologies: Status, prospects and implications for trade and development. In United Nations conference on trade and development. Available at: http://unctad.org/en/Docs/ditcted200710_en.pdf.
Lora, E. S., & Andrade, R. V. (2009). Biomass as energy source in Brazil. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 13, 777–788.
Mamphweli, N. S., & Meyer, E. L. (2009). Implementation of the biomass gasification project for community empowerment at Melani village, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Renewable Energy, 34, 2923–2927.
Martinot, E., Chaurey, A., Lew, D., Moreira, J. R., & Wamukonya, N. (2002). Renewable energy markets in developing countries. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 27, 309–348.
McKendry, P. (2002). Energy production from biomass (part 2): Conversion technologies. Bioresource Technology, 83, 47–54.
Mohan, D., Pittman, C. U., & Steele, P. H. (2006). Pyrolysis of wood/biomass for bio-oil: A critical review. Energy & Fuels, 20, 848–889.
Mohanty, P., Pant, K. K., Naik, S. N., Das, L. M., & Vasudevan, P. (2011). Fuel production from biomass: Indian perspective for pyrolysis oil. Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 70, 668–674.
Mohee, R., & Mudhoo, A. (2012). Energy from biomass in Mauritius: Overview of research and applications. In A. Karagiannidis (Ed.), Waste to energy: Opportunities and challenges for developing and transition economies. London.
Naik, S. N., Goud, V. V., Rout, P. K., & Dalai, A. K. (2010). Production of first and second generation biofuels: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14, 578–597.
Papong, S., Yuvaniyama, C., Lohsomboon, P., & Malakul, P. (2004). Overview of biomass utilisation in Thailand. Available at: http://www.aist-riss.jp/old/lca/ci/activity/project/biomass/report/041028_paper/thailand_paper.pdf.
Patel, B., Gami, B., & Bhimani, H. (2011). Improved fuel characteristics of cotton stalk, prosopis and sugarcane bagasse through torrefaction. Energy for Sustainable Development, 15, 372–375.
Prins, M. J., Ptasinski, K. J., & Janssen, F. J. J. G. (2006). More efficient biomass gasification via torrefaction. Energy, 31(15), 3458–3470.
Salam, P. A., Kumar, S., & Siriwardhana, M. (2010). Report on the status of biomass gasification in Thailand and Cambodia (pp. 1–95). Khlong Luang: Asian Institute of Technology.
Senneca, O. (2007). Kinetics of pyrolysis, combustion and gasification of three biomass fuels. Fuel Processing Technology, 88, 87–97.
Sharholy, M., Ahmad, K., Mahmood, G., & Trivedi, R. C. (2008). Municipal solid waste management in Indian cities—A review. Waste Management, 28, 459–467.
Sharma, A. K. (2011). Experimental investigations on a 20 kWe, solid biomass gasification system. Biomass and Bioenergy, 35, 421–428.
Shuit, S. H., Tan, K. T., Lee, K. T., & Kamaruddin, A. H. (2009). Oil palm biomass as a sustainable energy source: A Malaysian case study. Energy, 34, 1225–1235.
Shukla, P. R. (2001). Biomass energy in India: Transition from traditional to modern. Available at: http://www.decisioncraft.com/energy/papers/ecc/re/biomass/bti.pdf.
Surroop, D., & Mooloo, D. (2013). Assessing the potential of torrefaction for locally available biomass in Mauritius. In: W. Leal Filho, F. Mannke, R. Mohee, V. Schulte, & D. Surroop (Eds.), Climate-smart technologies: Integrating renewable energy and energy efficiency in mitigation and adaptation responses. Springer, The Netherlands.
U.S. Department of Energy. (2006). Biomass program—Pyrolysis oil upgrading. Available at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/bioenergy/pdfs/pyrolysis_upgrading.pdf.
Van der Stelt, M. J. C., Gerhauser, H., Kiel, J. H. A., & Ptasinski, K. J. (2011). Biomass upgrading by torrefaction for the production of biofuels: A review. Biomass and Bioenergy, 35, 3748–3762.
Venderbosch, R. H., & Prins, W. (2010). Review: Fast pyrolysis technology development. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 4, 178–208.
Verma, M., Godbout, S., Brar, S. K., Solomatnikova, O., Lemay, S. P., & Larouche, J. P. (2012). Biofuels production from biomass by thermochemical conversion technologies. International Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2012. Available at: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijce/2012/542426/.
Zhang, L., Liu, R., Yin, R., & Mei, Y. (2013). Upgrading of bio-oil from biomass fast pyrolysis in China: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 24, 66–72.
Zhou, Z., Yin, X., Xu, J., & Ma, L. (2012). The development situation of biomass gasification power generation in China. Energy Policy, 51, 52–57.
Zhu, X. (2008) Biomass fast pyrolysis for bio-oil. University of Science and Technology of China. Available at: http://www.biomass-asia-workshop.jp/biomassws/05workshop/program/18_Zhu.pdf.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their thankfulness to every individual whose contribution, through valuable scientific data and inferences, has been of great assistance in adding consistency to this paper.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Rago, Y.P., Mohee, R., Surroop, D. (2018). A Review of Thermochemical Technologies for the Conversion of Waste Biomass to Biofuel and Energy in Developing Countries. In: Leal Filho, W., Surroop, D. (eds) The Nexus: Energy, Environment and Climate Change. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63612-2_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63612-2_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-63611-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-63612-2
eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)