Biomass Energy: Prospects and Problems

Biomass energy consumption is very significant almost in all the countries. In India, 80 percent of the households depend on firewood and cow dung cakes for the cooking needs. Biomass energy can be tapped throughout the year through agricultural waste, human and animal waste. The better utilization of biomass would be the best alternative to the fast depleted fossil fuels like petrol, coal and natural gas. Electricity through biomass gasifier emits less CO₂ compared to the coal based electricity plants. The methane is generated from bio waste through land fill method and the methane gas is utilized like Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Hence, biomass energy has the features of environmental friendly, social acceptability and sustainability in its uses. Bio energy crops are widespread, although the availability of land for expansion is a question.