India looking to utilize biomass power in rural areas

Inefficient and environmentally hazardous technology.

This is how the conversion of biomass into other forms of energy is seen, so far.

But biomass power may be considered the key option for increasing decentralized generation .

S. Dasappa, from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is of the view that 'co-generation' of charcoal and electricity is better suited to address the cooking and power needs of remote villages.

Usually, rural areas feel the pinch of power shortage the most and the grids in these locations are the first ones to be off-loaded. Dasappa maintains that power plants based on biomass could help eliminate this problem.

Currently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science are studying the concept of distributed power generation in rural areas.

With regard to biomass co-generation, the researchers are of the view that this method has tremendous environmental benefits and will help sustain livelihood and industrial activity.