Biomass to Energy

Biomass to Energy

After the successful conclusion of the biomass gasification training workshop at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), a similar workshop was organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with NUST at UET Peshawar. The purpose of the training was highlight the importance of biomass as a huge and largely un-tapped energy resource for Pakistan, particularly for SME industries. Participants of this training learned how technologies such as biomass gasification have excellent potential for a variety of applications in Industry, rural electrification and entrepreneurship development. The training was conducted by local and international experts, designed for non-engineering professionals from small and medium sized industrial facilities (SMEs), public sector organizations and professionals from academic institutions. The training component included practical demonstration of biomass gasifier (rated at 10 KW) for efficient conversion of biomass into heat and electricity.

The workshops emphasized on capacity building of SMEs in terms of biomass feedstock, finance and technology to adopt biomass gasification as an alternate source of energy in Pakistan. Introducing Biomass Gasification in Pakistan is a step toward efficient and environment friendly utilization of biomass/crop residue, an indigenous energy source, to alleviate the energy shortfall faced by the industrial sector. Keeping in view the advance nature and beneficial aspects of biomass gasification, capacity building is a key element to spread awareness and establish optimized and skilled technical services to promote training centers and research institutions, and promotion and maintenance of installation of biomass gasifiers.

Chief Guest of the event, Prof. Muhammad Pervez, Chairman Mechanical engineering department said that workshops such as these provide excellent opportunities for understanding the possibilities and getting practical knowledge of technologies such as biomass gasification. He elaborated the role of biomass gasification techniques as giving uplift to the solutions that will reduce the shortfall of electricity. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Yasir Ali, National Project Manager of the UNIDO Biomass project appreciated the interactive sessions. He informed the audience about importance of biomass to energy conversion technologies feasible for developing countries like Pakistan.  He also mentioned the need of commercializing of technologies such as biomass gasification. He said in order to make use of the abundant resources of biomass available in Pakistan trained human resource is essential. He thanked the biomass experts for delivering the training and ensured the continuous support of UNIDO to promote inclusive and sustainable development. 

The final training workshop from this series of workshops would be held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad on March 1, 2016. This workshop would focus on biomass as a means for off-grid rural electrification.