Review of literature on biomass utilization for sustainable energy development in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Biomass application which shows some drastic increment over last few decades and considering worldwide scenarios, it was considered as a one of better and sustainable alternative solutions to entertain the world population being suffered from crude oil depletion in coming years. On the other hand, biomass was considered as a zero emission fuel which could manipulate current burdens of environmental pollutions and greenhouse gas emission problems. Using of biomass in industries and household levels are becoming very popular in Sri Lanka. Considering present trends of using renewable energy, most of the industries and general public are moving towards sustainable consumption of energy. Therefore, biomass applications and concepts of biomass utilization now have been widened. More novel techniques such as efficiency increment of conventional biomass burners and furnaces have been implemented in Sri Lanka as well as some other important studies are been proceeding. Those studies could be categorized in to four major topics, which are biomass energy generation, waste management concept, environment studies and socio economic studies. This paper review published literatures of biomass utilization in Sri Lanka. Usages of biomass for thermal and electrical energy generation and fuel wood power concept have been discussed widely. Biogas generation from industrial and municipal waste has been studied under the Waste management concepts. Environment impacts, climate changes, precipitation and some other important environment impacts have been analysed. Socio economic impact of biomass cultivation, biomass handling, primary and secondary residues of agro farming industries have merely touched and comprehensive study is to be done to identify material flows and economic benefits