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Biomass gasification program
LIRE has started research on biomass gasification since September 2007. The aim is to explore the options of pyrolysis of various types of biomass to produce heat or electricity in the Lao context. By doing so, LIRE hopes to contribute to the diversification of the currently available appropriate renewable energy technologies and sustainable development in Lao PDR.
One of the first activities was to start with a feasibility study about the potential of this technology in Lao PDR. Because there is no successful system installed yet in Lao PDR, LIRE researchers visited SME Cambodia to see running system in various sizes ranged from 20 KW up to 200 KW.
The feasibility study has enabled LIRE to set up a detailed research agenda for the biomass gasification program. The program encompasses all aspects of gasification, ranging from the feedstock, to the technology, to appropriate business models for commercial exploitation. These topics can be part of separate (fundamental) types of research or they can be integrated into concrete projects aimed at implementation of a gasifier.
LIRE - biomass gasification
It is an attempt to map out the different aspects of biomass gasification that require additional research from LIRE. The topics that are identified can either be seen as stand-alone research projects, their interaction can be studied or they can be integrated into actual projects that involve biomass gasification. The framework is therefore a tool that could help identifying new projects rather than a rigid research agenda. See following a rough overview about relevant research points.
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RATIONAL / JUSTIFICATION
  • Rural electrification
  • Productive use of energy
  • Carbon credits
  • Fossil fuel substitution
BIOMASS
  • Types of biomass
      • Agricultural waste products (e.g. straw)
      • Industrial agricultural residues (e.g. rice husk, corn cobs, bagasse)
      • Plantations (old and new ones)
      • Dispersed natural resources (e.g. bamboo)
  • Logistics / collection / storage
  • Social costs / benefits of biomass use
GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
  • Reactor
      • For woody types of biomass
      • For rice husk
  • Engines
      • Running in dual fuel mode
      • Running in 100% gas mode
  • Sizing the gasifier
  • Filter technology
  • Gas composition
  • Output
      • Ash / Coal
      • (polluted) water
APPLICATIONS
  • Electricity generation
  • Heat generations
      • From gas
      • Using "waste" heat
  • Pumps
  • Mechanical applications
SYSTEMS
  • Applications in village (hybrid) grids
  • Irrigation systems
  • Industrial applications
CHALLENGES
  • Role of public and private organizations
  • Scale of the technology
  • Integration into rural livelihoods
  • Synergies with other energy systems
The study: “Biomass gasification in Lao PDR: A feasibility study on biomass gasification at potential sites in Bokeo and Xiengkouang province” can be downloaded here.