Title: Potential of crop residue in India as a source of energy

Authors: Apurba Sarkar

Addresses: ARS, Project Directorate for Cropping Systems Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Modipuram, Meerut, UP 250110, India

Abstract: Here is given an estimate of crop residue production and different recycling options as a source of renewable energy. India produces 388 Tg crop residues but only 182 Tg equivalent to 2818 PJ is usable. Recycling as manure can replace 15% of 595 PJ national fertiliser energy. Recycling in digester can produce 20.32 billion m³ biogas. It can be converted into 182 Tg of biocoal generating 156–258.3 billion unit (kWh) electricity. It can lead to 16 billion dm³ ethanol productions. Having less environmental consequences, different recycling options can make the crop residue an environmentally sound sustainable energy system.

Keywords: crop residue; renewable energy; biogas; biocoal; ethanol; India; energy sources; recycling options; sustainable energy; fertiliser; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2007.015874

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2007 Vol.28 No.2/3, pp.181 - 194

Published online: 27 Nov 2007 *

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