To Study the Utilization of Rice Straw As Renewable Energy Source in India An Economic Social and Environmental Assessment

Abstract

Rice straw burning is creating lot of pollution across the world and is in news due to its pollution effects in the national capital region. In this thesis, practical aspects, ground realities of utilization of rice straw for energy and biofuel, state/central regulations policies and social benefits have been presented. So far, only single plant which is 100% rice straw based could be made operational in India, which is located in Punjab and was awarded on public private partnership format. The plant is in operation since 2009-10 and learnings have been taken up as there is a need to understand and highlight all the issues as well as recommendations/solutions involved in the fuel storage, fuel cutting and feeding, boiler and operation aspects of rice straw power plant and detailed financial as well as regulatory aspects. During last few years, due to seriousness shown by Hon. Courts and National Green tribunal on pollution caused due to burning of fields, state and central government has increased the tariff rates drastically and with the current policies and available technologies, it is certain that investor is going to get good returns if he decides to set up new rice straw based power project or decides to put briquette manufacturing unit from rice straw. The purpose of this thesis is to assess and present the economic, environment and social benefits of proper utilization of rice straw. newlineIf rice straw or other biomass power plants are set up on pan India basis, there are going to be huge social benefits, particularly in the rural areas. These plants not only reduces particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) but also provides extra income to farmers and employment to local youths. The social benefits have been worked out and have been presented in this thesis. newline newline