A comparative study of biomass resources utilization for power generation and transportation in Pakistan

Zuberi M. J. S., Torkmahalleh M. A., Ali S. M. H.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, vol.40, no.34, pp.11154-11160, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 34
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.05.166
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.11154-11160
  • Keywords: Biogas, Bio-methane, Power generation, Transportation, Pakistan, RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE, BIOGAS
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Sustainable energy technologies increase energy security, bring environmental friendliness and now getting economically attractive with every single passing day. Specifically, biomass energy is a viable substitute to meet the trekking demands of energy in the Pakistani scenario. This study investigates the potential of three major biomass energy resources available in Pakistan: Livestock, Bagasse and Municipal Solid Waste for either power generation or sustainable transportation. These origins may yield up to 29.7 million cubic meter of biogas daily. The results of this study also suggests that biomass energy can contribute a fraction of approximately 24% in the total electric power generation in the current situation while the potential contribution is very low i.e. 0.2% for transportation when compared at the same node. Detailed feasibility studies and technological advancements are needed to introduce biogas into transportation as an alternate fuel. The outcomes of this comparitive analysis might also be applicable to other developing countries having similar resources. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.