Sustainable biomass power for rural India: case study of biomass gasifier for village electrification.

TLDR

This study examines decentralized biomass gasifier power generation for rural electrification in India, highlighting technical, social, economic, and management lessons. The authors installed a 20 kW biomass gasifier‑engine generator in Hosahalli village, Karnataka, which operated from 1988 to 2004 to supply lighting, drinking water, irrigation, and flour‑milling for the 218 residents. The system operated for 14 years, providing lighting and piped drinking water on more than 85 % of days, with fuel and O&M costs between Rs 5.85/kWh and Rs 3.34/kWh depending on load.

Abstract

The performance and impact of a decentralized biomass gasifier-based power generation system in an unelectrified village are presented. In Hosahalli village, Karnataka, India, lighting, drinking water, irrigation water and flour-milling services are provided using power derived from the biomass gasifier-based power generation system. The system consists of a 20 kW gasifier-engine generator system with all the accessories for fuel processing and electricity distribution.The biomass power system has functioned for over 14 years (1988–2004) in Hosahalli village (population of 218 during 2003), meeting all the electricity needs of the village. Lighting and piped drinking water supply using biomass electricity, was provided for over 85% of the days during the past six years. The fuel, operation and maintenance cost ranged from Rs 5.85/kWh at a load of 5 kW to Rs 3.34/kWh at a load of 20 kW. Technical, social, economic and management-related lessons learnt are presented here.