Evaluation of the performance of improved biomass cooking stoves with different solid biomass fuel types

We have studied the performance of different types of improved solid biomass cookstoves (Two natural draft and one forced draft) in comparison to the traditional cookstove (control) while preparing a particular meal with a variety of solid biomass fuels (e.g. fuel wood, dung cake and crop residue). Five replicates of each type of cookstove and fuel were maintained. The study was conducted in an Indian rural kitchen. There was no significant difference in the indoor concentrations of PM_2.5 and CO when natural draft and traditional cookstoves were used with any type of solid fuel. However, significantly lower concentrations of PM_2.5 and CO were recorded with forced draft stoves compared to others. While cooking with different types of solid biomass fuels, the concentrations of PM_2.5 and CO in the indoor environment were decreased by 21–57% and 30–74% respectively with the forced draft cookstove in comparison to the traditional cookstove. The fuel consumption, cooking duration and thermal efficiency of a particular stove to prepare a particular amount of food also differ depending on the type of the solid fuel used for the cooking purpose. The thermal efficiency of traditional, natural draft and FD cookstoves were in the range of 15–17%, 16–27% and 30–35% respectively for different types of solid biomass fuels. However, further studies on the performance of stoves are required based on the size and type of fuel wood or crop residues.     

Making the clean available: Escaping India’s Chulha Trap

Solid cookfuel pollution is the largest energy-related health risk globally and most important cause of ill-health for Indian women and girls. At 700 million cooking with open biomass chulhas, the Indian population exposed has not changed in several decades, in spite of hundreds of programs to make the “available clean”, i.e. to burn biomass cleanly in advanced stoves. While such efforts continue, there is need to open up another front to attack this health hazard. Gas and electric cooking, which are clean at the household, are already the choice for one-third of Indians. Needed is a new agenda to make the “clean available”, i.e., to vigorously extend these clean fuels into populations that are caught in the Chulha Trap. This will require engaging new actors including the power and petroleum ministries as well as the ministry of health, which have not to date been directly engaged in addressing this problem. It will have implications for LPG imports, distribution networks, and electric and gas user technologies, as well as setting new priorities for electrification and biofuels, but at heart needs to be addressed as a health problem, not one of energy access, if it is to be solved effectively.     

Comprehending household cooking energy choice in rural India

Energy is essential to attain the quality of life and economic prosperity in a society. In the rural areas of India, cooking dominates the aggregate consumption of energy. This energy demand is mostly met by biomass fuels, which have many associated inherent disadvantages. Hence, it is important to understand the decision making process in rural households regarding the choice of cooking fuels. For this purpose, household information using the 61st round of National Sample Survey is analyzed for the rural parts of India. The logistic regression model is used to explain the determinants of clean fuel use for cooking purposes. The study shows that number of educated females between 10 and 50 years of age, average household education index, regular salary, and monthly per capita consumption expenditure have a positive and significant impact on probability of using clean cooking fuels, whereas possessing a Below Poverty Line ration card, belonging to reserved caste categories, family size and size of farm land have a significant negative linkage.     

Changing structure of income indoor air pollution relationship in India

Bio fuels are still a major source for cooking by many households in developing countries such as India causing significant disease burden due to indoor air pollution. While household income influences the choice of fuel the policies that affect accessibility and price of fuels also have an important role in determining the fuel choice. This study analyzes the pollution–income relationship for the period 1983–2000, separately across rural and urban households in India based on unit record data on fuel consumption obtained through National Sample Surveys. While a non-monotonic relationship is observed in rural India in both the decades, in urban India a similar relationship is observed only for the initial period indicating faster transition towards ‘cleaner’ fuels mainly enabled by policies that have been pro-urban. The study also finds that the impact of household size and composition on bio fuels is more negative than for clean fuels and is increasingly negative over time possibly due to greater awareness about the ill effects of such fuels.     

Applying global cost-benefit analysis methods to indoor air pollution mitigation interventions in Nepal,Kenya and Sudan: Insights and challenges

Indoor air pollution from burning solid fuels for cooking is a major environmental health problem in developing countries, predominantly affecting children and women. Traditional household energy practices also contribute to substantial time loss and drudgery among households. While effective interventions exist, levels of investment to date have been very low, in part due to lack of evidence on economic viability. Between 2004 and 2007, different combinations of interventions – improved stoves, smoke hoods and a switch to liquefied petroleum gas – were implemented in poor communities in Nepal, Sudan and Kenya. The impacts were extensively evaluated and provided the basis for a household-level cost-benefit analysis, which essentially followed the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization. The results suggest that interventions are justified on economic grounds with estimated internal rates of return of 19%, 429% and 62% in Nepal, Kenya and Sudan, respectively. Time savings constituted by far the most important benefit followed by fuel cost savings; direct health improvements were a small component of the overall benefit. This paper describes the methodology applied, discusses the findings and highlights the methodological challenges that arise when a global approach is applied to a local programme.     

A review on energy scenario and sustainable energy in Indonesia

The global energy consumption is likely to grow faster than the population growth. The fuel consumption was growing from 6630 million tons of oil equivalents (Mtoe) in 1980 to 11,163 Mtoe in 2009. This projected consumption will increase 1.5% per year until 2030 and reach 16,900 Mtoe and the main drivers of this growth are mostly developing countries in Asia. Indonesia is one of the developing countries and energy supply is an important factor for all-around development. The country's energy consumption still depends on non-renewable energy such as crude oil, coal and natural gas as sources of energy. Utilization of fossil fuel continuously contributes to huge amount of greenhouse gases emission that leads to climate change. Facing such an unfavorable situation, the government of Indonesia prioritizes on energy supply securities by diversification of energy resources. The energy mixes in Indonesia based on five main resources; these are crude oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, and renewable energy. Although the country encourages utilizing renewable energy, the contribution is only around 3%. Considering natural condition and geography, this country is blessed with great potential of renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, micro hydro and biomass energy. Noting the potential of renewable and sustainable energy resources in the country, the government must pay more attention on how to utilize it. Many efforts have been done to promote renewable energy such as to create energy policy and regulations, yet it still did not give any satisfactory result. Government, non-government agencies and the public should take a more proactive step to promote and use renewable energy in order to achieve the secure and environmentally sustainable energy resources.     

Thermochemical conversion of brown coal and biomass in a pressurised fluidised bed gasifier with hot gas filtration using ceramic channel filters: measurements and gasifier modelling

Biomass (wood and Miscanthus pellets) and Rhenish brown-coal were gasified using a 1.5 MW_th (max.) pressurised fluidised bed gasification (PFBG) installation. NO_x precursor and tar emissions were studied by varying process parameters like the fuel type, pressure, temperature and air factor. Carbon conversions were well above 80%. Fuel-nitrogen conversion into NH₃ was mostly above ca. 50%. Fuel-nitrogen conversion into HCN was significantly lower. Results were in-line with comparable investigations with bottom feeding. Measurements of the gas composition for Miscanthus gasification were compared with a steady-state model based on elementary reaction chemistry and heterogeneous gas–char reactions related to the emission of nitrogen species. A flash pyrolysis model (FG-DVC-biomass version) was applied to determine the initial yields. Measurements and model simulation results were in reasonably good agreement.     

What energy levels can the Earth sustain?

Several official reports on future global primary energy production and use develop scenarios which suggest that the high energy growth rates of the 20th century will continue unabated until 2050 and even beyond. In this paper we examine whether any combination of fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy sources can deliver such levels of primary energy—around 1000 EJ in 2050. We find that too much emphasis has been placed on whether or not reserves in the case of fossil and nuclear energy, or technical potential in the case of renewable energy, can support the levels of energy use forecast. In contrast, our analysis stresses the crucial importance of the interaction of technical potentials for annual production with environmental factors, social, political, and economic concerns and limited time frames for implementation, in heavily constraining the real energy options for the future. Together, these constraints suggest that future energy consumption will be significantly lower than the present level.     

Efficiency-improving fossil fuel technologies for electricity generation: Data selection and trends

This paper studies patenting dynamics in efficiency improving electricity generation technologies as an important indicator of innovation activity. We build a novel database of worldwide patent applications in efficiency-improving fossil fuel technologies for electricity generation and then analyse patenting trends over time and across countries. We find that patenting has mostly been stable over time, with a recent decreasing trend. OECD countries represent the top innovators and the top markets for technology. Some non-OECD countries, and particularly China, are also very active in terms of patenting activity in this sector. The majority of patents are first filed in OECD countries and only then in BRIC and other non-OECD countries. BRIC and other non-OECD countries apply for patents that are mostly marketed domestically, but BRIC countries represent important markets for patent duplication of OECD inventions. These results are indicative of significant technology transfer in the field of efficiency-improving technologies for electricity production.     

Bioenergy in the United States: progress and possibilities

Concerns about global climate change and air quality have increased interest in biomass and other energy sources that are potentially CO₂-neutral and less polluting. Large-scale bioenergy development could indeed bring significant ecological benefits — or equally significant damage — depending on the specific paths taken. In particular, the land requirements for biomass production are potentially immense.

Various entities in the United States have performed research; prepared cost–supply assessments, environmental impact assessments, life cycle analyses and externality impact assessments; and engaged in demonstration and development regarding biomass crops and other potential biomass energy feedstocks. These efforts have focused on various biomass wastes, forest management issues, and biomass crops, including both perennial herbaceous crops and fast-growing woody crops. Simultaneously, several regional and national groups of bioenergy stakeholders have issued consensus recommendations and guidelines for sustainable bioenergy development.

It is a consistent conclusion from these efforts that displacing annual agricultural crops with native perennial biomass crops could — in addition to reducing fossil fuel use and ameliorating associated ecological problems — also help restore natural ecosystem functions in worked landscapes, and thereby preserve natural biodiversity.

Conversely, if forests are managed and harvested more intensively — and/or if biomass crops displace more natural land cover such as forests and wetlands — it is likely that ecosystem functions would be impaired and biodiversity lost.     

Fossil-fuel constraints on global warming

In 2008 and 2009 two papers by Kharecha and Hansen and by Nel and Cooper examined possible fossil energy availability and energy consumption scenarios and consequences for future climate. The papers yield somewhat similar results regarding atmospheric CO₂ levels, but they reach substantially different conclusions regarding future climate change. Here, we compare their methods and results. Our work shows that Nel and Cooper's paper significantly underestimates future warming. Nel and Cooper conclude that even if all the available fossil fuels would be burned at the maximum possible rate during this century, the consequent warming would cap at less than 1 °C above the 2000 level. We find that – under Nel and Cooper's assumption of an intensive exploitation of fossil fuels – the global temperature in 2100 will likely reach levels which would lead to severely damaging long-term impacts.     

Resource analysis of the Chinese society 1980–2002 based on exergy—Part 1: Fossil fuels and energy minerals

The resource inflow to the Chinese society from 1980 to 2002 is investigated based on exergy as a unified quantifier of natural resources. The major resources entering the society are divided into 17 sectors, with the annual policy for the individual group is analyzed corresponding to the exergy resource inflow. This study is divided into five consequential parts. This paper as the first part introduces the fossil fuels and energy materials entering the society, including coal, crude oil, natural gas, iron ores, nonferrous metal ores and nuclear power. The coal production, which comes form unified central planning, collective and individual parts, is analyzed according to the administrative institutions associated with variable policies. The consumption of coal is also described concerning thermal power generation, coking, heating, private consumption and gasification. The storage capacity, investment and import in crude oil production, which is imperative for the rapid economic development, are depicted. The natural gas production, slowly expanding during the study period, is illustrated according to the discovered and operating gas fields. Production of iron ores and nonferrous metal ores and nuclear power produced from uranium ores are represented in this paper.     

The first law of uranium dynamics

An embargo on the export of Australia's vast uranium mineral resources has been in force for several years. Pressures to lift the embargo are mounting. A Royal Commission has enquired into all aspects of uranium mining and exports. This paper, modified to some extent, forms part of a submission to this enquiry. It is suggested that nuclear power be accepted as an interim solution to the world's energy problems. the plutonium fuelled breeder technology as the ultimate solution is rejected. Meanwhile the striking of a $750 (Australian) export levy per tonne of U₃O₈ will provide the funds for research and development in the use of renewable energy sources. Restrictive conditions imposed on the sale of uranium minerals and their beneficiated derivatives include guarantees against the separation of plutonium and the development and use of a plutonium technology.     

Economic growth, CO2 emissions, and fossil fuels consumption in Iran

Environmental issues have attracted renewed interest and more attention during recent years due to climatic problems associated with the increased levels of pollution and the deterioration of the environmental quality as a result of increased human activity. This paper investigates the causal relationships between economic growth, carbon emission, and fossil fuels consumption, using the relatively new time series technique known as the Toda-Yamamoto method for Iran during the period 1967–2007. Total fossil fuels, petroleum products, and natural gas consumption are used as three proxies for energy consumption. Empirical results suggest a unidirectional Granger causality running from GDP and two proxies of energy consumption (petroleum products and natural gas consumption) to carbon emissions, and no Granger causality running from total fossil fuels consumption to carbon emissions in the long run. The results also show that carbon emissions, petroleum products, and total fossil fuels consumption do not lead to economic growth, though gas consumption does.     

Benefits of natural gas introduction in the energy matrix of isolated electrical system in the city of Manaus – state of Amazonas – Brazil

The need to find cleaner, safer and less expensive sources of fuel in the city of Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas (AM) in Brazil is inevitable due, among other factors, to the historical situation of the petroleum-derived fuel’s large-scale use for power generation in the city by Brazil’s energy planning. In this context, the use of natural gas in the province of Urucu, in the city of Coari countryside of the state of Amazons, is the best short-term solution, which will enable the substitution of petroleum-derived liquid fuels for the natural gas in the thermoelectric power plants in the city of Manaus and in seven other cities in the state, which are favored by the Coari–Manaus pipeline’s main trajectory. This article presents the economic and environmental benefits with gas natural introduction in the energy matrix of isolated electrical system in Manaus. This project will be a great conquest for the city of Manaus, as a result of the Brazilian Energy Sector 20-year-planning, which will be completed in 2010, and will permit the beginning of a new growth-and-development cycle for the state of Amazonas and the Amazon itself.