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ABE 422
Renewable Energy for AB Materials

LABORATORY REPORT No. 8

Biomass Resource Calculations

Step by step procedure on estimating the biomass resource:

1. Estimation of biomass consumption of power plant

A detailed biomass assessment is carried out at this stage, both at the regional and
village levels. The assessment's goals at this point are to forecast biomass supply availability for
the next five years, estimate biomass pricing for the next five years, streamline the biomass
supply chain for the next five years, and validate biomass-based gasification technology in
terms of capacity and type. For example:

A 50 kW gasifier running for 9 hours daily for 350 days a year will require 315 MT biomass (50 x
9 x 350 x 2 = 315000 kg or 315 MT)

2. Conducting surveys

By conducting surveys we can estimate the available biomass in the locality. This survey
involves three steps such as conducting secondary survey, conducting a primary survey, and
using formulas to convert the survey data into estimates of the available biomass.
The first one is the secondary survey. In this survey, the data is collected at three levels:
a) at district headquarters level, where the data captured in this relates to the types and
quantity of biomass that might be available according to census. Next is b), at block level. The
data collected in this relates to the land patter. This information can be found in census records
held by various government agencies. Based on trends in urbanization and industrialization
(including the extent of organized and unorganized industries) as well as the extent of
agriculture markets, the data is used to estimate biomass availability for power production. And
c), at academic/research institutes level, where biomass ratios and biomass productive capacity
are estimated using data from educational or academic institutions.
The second one is the primary survey. In this step we can directly ask the owners or the
primary source of the data the necessary information. At village level, we can directly ask what
are the livestock, grain/grass/shrub productivity, energy and biomass consumption, power
requirement and consumption, and many more. At biomass market level, we can collect data
including the quantities and prices of biomass traded, price and availability trends, etc. At the
last level is the agro-industrial level, where quantities consumed/produced, operating days and
hours, size, make and model of boilers or unit can be collected to determine the quantity of the

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biomass. We can utilize questionnaires, direct/indirect interviews, or formal/informal group

discussion for the primary surveys.
Lastly, utilizing formulas to compute the biomass using the survey data. By performing
this step we can determine the quantified biomass.

Formulas:

For agricrop residue production:

Crop residue production = Area under a crop(in ha) x Grain productivity (in kgs per ha) x Grain
to straw ratio
All eligible Bioenergy crops' residues are estimated using the same formula. The total crop
residue production is the sum of all major crop residues.

Wood from trees (or Woody biomass):

Formula a
Growing stock (per ha) = Area under plantation or canopy (per ha) x productivity (kgs per
hectare)

Formula b
Growing stock (per ha) = Average basal area x Crop height x Form factor x Area (ha)
Sustainable Yield (kgs per year) = (2 x Growing Stock)/R
R (Rotation cycle) = 50 years (assumed)

Herbs and shrubs (or Herbaceous and Shrubaceous biomass):

For total grass production in a village
Grass production (in kg) = Average grass production (kg/ha) * village common in a village land
+ share per the land settlement (kg)

For total shrub production in a village:

Shrub biomass production (in kg) = Average shrub production (kg/ha) * Total in a village
common land (ha) + Share as per the land settlement (kg)

3. Assessing Biomass consumption pattern

After estimating biomass availability in the project location, the biomass-based
consumption pattern is evaluated. This analysis allows us to calculate the net biomass available
for power generation at the project site. In other words:
Net biomass available = total biomass available – present consumption of biomass

4. Analyzing Data
The data is analyzed and processed following the completion of the surveys to be able
to answer the following:
 Characterization of Biomass (what kind of biomass is available in the project location)
 Biomass Utility (what is the available biomass that can be utilized for power production)
 Biomass Pricing (what is the cost of biomass available for power production)

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5. Consolidation of the findings and analysis

The process culminates in the creation of a biomass management plan/Strategy for the power
plant. The development of the plan has two interconnected components:

a. Development of Resource Map

A resource map is a planning tool that aids in logistics organization. This is a map
of the research area that aids in the geographical juxtaposition of biomass resources
(supply side) and power consumers (demand side).
b. Development of a Biomass Management Plan/Strategy
The biomass management plan for a project location is a comprehensive
document that details the current biomass situation, including potential biomass supply
and consumption patterns, stress on various resources, and strategies to reduce stress
in the project location. Both quantitative and qualitative data are used to develop the
biomass management plan.

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