(a) whether energy is being produced from gasifier system in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the details of materials used in the gasifer system;
(c) whether the Government has made any assessment regarding saving of natural gas
and oil as a result of generation of energy from gasifier system; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and future plan chalked out by the Government to promote the
gasifier system in renewable energy sector?
THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
(DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. The biomass gasifier system produces energy in the form of low calorific value gas
which can be used for mechanical, thermal and electrical applications. Biomass gasifier systems have been
indigenously developed and manufactured in the capacity range of 5 KW to 500 KW by Indian industries.
These gasifiers use biomass materials, wood, rice husk, corn cobs, stalks of cotton, corn, arhar etc.
(c)&(d): No, Madam. However biomass gasifier system coupled with 100% producer gas engines does not
require any conventional fuels like natural gas and oil for electricity generation. Gasifiers coupled with dual
fuel engine generating systems saves around 60-70% of various conventional fuels such as coal, diesel,
furnace oil etc. when used for meeting electrical and thermal needs in industries. The Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy has set a target for deployment of 80 MW equivalent biomass gasifier systems for
captive use in industries, off-grid applications and small grid connected projects during 12th Plan period.