Technological Assessment of Bio Energy Production through Livestock Waste in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

Abstract

A major challenge for Pakistan lies in unravelling the ordeals of its rural sector. This is majorly due to a high rate of unemployment, unbiased distribution of green land, noncommercial use of energy and a lack of interest in sight of government policies. Moreover, considering a constant decrease in domestic production of oil and gas, and the concept that these sources will be exhausted by 2030, the future is even worse. Hence, there is a need to diversify this energy system through penetration of renewable substitutes. This study shows the potential of energy that can be generated through Livestock waste in AJK considering different technologies and the use of BIO-IRENA Simulator. A complete cycle from raw biomass to end use such as electricity, heat, and Combined Heat and Power plants (CHPs) has been done. The study shows that AJK possess a total of more than 15 million livestock animals that can produce over 4 million tons of biomass per year. This waste can be treated through different technologies (Bio-Methane Engine, Bio- Methane gas turbine, Bio-Methane steam turbine) to produce power and heat. Currently, the non-commercial use of biomass energy in Pakistan is about 12 MTOE; most of which is used in rural areas for cooking and lightening; that is a health hazard. Commercial use of this livestock waste can produce more than 300 TWh of energy. Considering the annual electricity consumption of Pakistan to be 452 kWh/capita, it can provide energy to a significant population of area.