Towards Cleaner Technologies : A Process Story On Biomass Gasifiers For Heat Applications In Small And Micro Enterprises

Each year, India produces about 400 million tonnes of biomass resources, of which a sizeable portion is burnt by SMiEs (small and micro enterprises) to generate heat. The traditional furnaces and ovens used by SMiEs operate at low efficiencies and also produce large amounts of emissions. Biomass gasifier technology offers great scope to use biomass resources more efficiently and reduce pollution. It can, therefore, provide secure energy services for developing countries that are rich in biomass resources. In 1994/95, SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) entered into a partnership to find solutions to the energy and environmental problems of select SMiE sub-sectors through technology upgradation and human and institutional development. They chose four sub-sectors for intervention: foundries, sericulture, glass industries, and brick manufacture. This book narrates, in a brief and simple way, the process by which the partners developed clean, energy-efficient biomass gasifier systems for heat applications?initially in silk reeling units, and later in other SMiEs. In particular, it highlights the experiences of project staff and other stakeholders, and the challenges faced and tackled by them in the course of their work. This book is primarily intended as a guide for researchers, policy-makers, NGOs, donor organizations, academic institutions and others involved in the small-scale sector, particularly in developing countries