Energy recovery from biomass using gasification

Abstract Biomass is an enormously available resource, geologically scattered across the globe, and remains a substantial part of future energy solutions as it reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and can be used as stable long-term energy supply in rural areas. Distinguishing appropriate biomass species that can give high-vitality yields and replace petroleum product sources is the need of the hour. Selection of biomass is governed by its intrinsic and extrinsic properties such as cellulose/lignin ratio, calorific value, moisture content, ash/residue content, fixed carbon amount, alkali metal content, and volatile fraction. Conversion of biomass into a useful energy, generally power or as a gaseous fuel for automotive engines, may be derived using appropriate technologies such as gasification. Different thermochemical and biochemical technologies available for biomass gasification are discussed and various types of gasifiers employed therein are presented. Potential of extending integrated gasification combined cycle and cogasification of biomass with coal are discussed. Finally, challenges and perspectives toward biomass gasification are reported.