Present Status and Potential of Biomass Energy in Pakistan Based on Existing and Future Renewable Resources

Abstract

Pakistan is a developing country that is experiencing a shortage of electricity generation due to its rapidly growing demand. The existing and upcoming energy requirements for power generation and future transportation can be met by efficient utilisation of homegrown biomass resources. Determining the present energy mix resources in various sectors of the country is important. This article analyses the biomass resources and their potential and bioenergy utilisation in Pakistan. An overview of the global renewable energy scenario is presented. This article accentuates the importance and challenges of new technologies and estimates the current and future share of power generation from renewable sources, focusing on the technical potential of biomass energy, which is obtained from agricultural residues, animal manure and municipal solid wastes in Pakistan. This paper highlights the developing technologies that are primarily used to convert biomass waste into energy and presents a critical consideration on future directions in drafting the bioenergy framework policy in Pakistan. For effective implementation of biomass-based renewable energy production in the country, this paper presents an extensive literature review on current and future perspectives and suggestions on future directions and policies to overcome the deficit in electricity supply and environmental concerns. Furthermore, this paper discusses the utilisation of biomass resources in the rapidly growing transportation sector and presents a solution for upcoming mass transit projects in two major cities in Pakistan. The conclusion is that biomass energy is the most sustainable, eco-friendly and efficient renewable energy and is an emerging renewable energy resource that can meet the growing energy demand in Pakistan.

Renewable Energy Option for Socio-Economic Development in Pakistan

“…In another report of renewable energy source mapping program (ESMAP) funded by the World Bank, the estimated available surplus biomass for energy generation in Pakistan is shown in table 4. The use of wheat straw and rice husk for power generation is limited in Pakistan because both are used as the main food ingredients of livestock (Tareen et al, 2020). The widely used type of biomass used in Pakistan as a source of power generation bagasse is a residue of sugarcane and easily available sugar mills.…”

Sugarcane as Future Bioenergy Crop: Potential Genetic and Genomic Approaches

“…Further, they would prove an environmentally friendly fuel source having the ability to generate less black smoke with fewer hydrocarbon emissions and NOx [2]. Hence, fuels of the renewable kind (bioethanol and biodiesel) are subjects of increased attention in this context [3]. For the development of efficient and viable alternative fuel having the ability to provide environmental safety and energy gain, the fundamental procedures need to be improved [4].…”

How Does Inter-Organizational Cooperation Impact Organizations’ Scientific Knowledge Generation? Evidence from the Biomass Energy Field

“…The important biomass energy sources are wood and wood wastes, agricultural crops and their waste byproducts, animal wastes, waste from food processing and aquatic plants and algae [6]. These biomass materials are being converted into a suitable form of energy via different routes, such as biochemical, chemical and thermo-chemical [5][6][7]. The conversion routes of biomass materials can be achieved by advanced technologies [5] in order to reduce the harmful effects of fossil fuels, cut down technical cost and carry out engineering application research [8].…”