Estimation of bioenergy potential based on collectable biomass: An important step for sustainable biomass utilization

Abstract

The rising need for renewable energy, as well as the desire to lessen reliance on fossil fuels, has sparked renewed interest in agricultural residue use. Crop residues, which consist of stalks, leaves, and straw left over from harvest, represent a significant potential supply of biomass for biofuel production, power generation, and other industrial purposes. Madhya Pradesh, a prominent contributor to India’s soybean and wheat production, generates significant quantities of crop residue. This study investigates the bioenergy potential of collectable residues derived from these dominant crops within the state. A survey was conducted to estimate soybean-wheat biomass of the central India and their energy potential. A positive correlation between crop yield and collectable biomass yield for both wheat and soybean, indicating that higher crop yields are associated with increased biomass availability.The total residue potential of soybean-wheat crop at Madhya Pradesh was observed to be 7.80 MT, in which 2.98 MT of residue available as surplus. The bioenergy potential of the Madhya Pradesh with soybean-wheat surplus residue estimated of about 79.31 PJ. Utilizing agricultural residue as bioenergy offers multifaceted benefits, including reduced landfill waste, decreased fossil fuel dependence, enhanced rural infrastructure, improved public health, increased farmer income, job creation, and a net reduction in CO2 emissions by displacing fossil fuels.