Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

Some snippets from IFGTB 'Tree Growers Mela -2012:

Part - 6

Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

 

A detailed report on 'Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development' is the joint work of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga sundaram, IFS, Present Chief Conservator of Forests, Tirunelveli (Former Head of the Department of Biodiversity, IFGTB) and Dr.R.Gopalan and presented as Power point by the former professionally to the audience, who are mostly farmers, on the concluding day of the Tree growers Mela - 2012.

This report analyzes in detail the issues involved in "Energy management, Growth Vs Energy, Types of energy, Energy Resources, Energy efficiency, Current Energy Demand, Energy consumption, Energy scenario in India and Biomass power".

From the above presentation, I would like to bring to our readers the main subject of 'Utilizing Casuarina for Biomass power production' only. 

This report is generated from the PowerPoint presentation of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga Sundaram,IFS and the contents in its entirety and  the projections / assessment made here are his personal views only.

Those readers who may differ on the issues of yield, profit from Casuarina junghuhniana, matters relating to energy conversion and the quantum of power production are requested to express their views here to upgrade this article for the benefit of the fellow readers.

CASUARINA – A BIO RESOURCE :

•  A tree species belonging to Casuarinacea. 

•  Fast growing species, having multi utility value. 

•  Calorific value = 5000 k.cal.  (Approx.)

• Wood density is 698 kg/m³ (irrigated), 703 kg/m³ (rainfed). 

• Preferred by farmers for Agro forestry and Farm land afforestation.

 CURRENT UTILITY OF CASUARINA :

•         HOUSEHOLD FUEL, PULP WOOD,  

•         SCAFFOLDING, CHARCOAL MAKING,   

•         BIO SHIELD (SHELTER  BELT, WIND BREAK)  

•         PRODUCTION OF POWER

EXTENT OF CULTIVATION :

•  Casuarina is cultivated through out South India. 

• 80% of plantations are in the coastal areas in AP, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

• Area planted – 5 lac ha. Inland cultivation data deficient.

• Rotation 4 years.

• Inter cropping practiced in Ist year of planting. 

• Preferable species Casuarina junghuhniana, a drought tolerant and high yielding variety. 

• Espacement 1x1m (4000 trees per acre).

YIELDING PATTERN :

—Yield varies by

   1. Locations

   2. cultivation techniques adopted

   3. Period of rotation

   4. Irrigation facilities

   5. Fertilizer application

   6. Soil fertility

   7. Rainfall pattern

   8. 40 to 80 tonnes per acre in 4 years and 30 to 40 tonnes per acre  under rainfed conditions is reported.

 

ECONOMICS OF CASUARINA CULTIVATION :

Usage of high yield clones, 4 year rotation, 1x1m espacement, Coastal

belt, Irrigated land, yearly farm yard manure application, yearly twice

weeding and manual pruning of branches gives the following revenue:
      
      
     Total income (sale of pruned materials & poles) = 2,50,000 /-*      (Average yield 80 Tons x Rs.3000 + 10000)

     
      Total expenditure (including watch and ward) = 75,000 /-
 

       Net Income = 1,75,000 /- 

* Data for high yielding variety with the specified field conditions.

CASUARINA vs ELECTRICITY:

      CALORIFIC VALUE = 5000 Kcalories

One kilowatt per hour = 859.845kilo calories.

Energy conversion efficiency of casuarina = o.25.

The power production by using One ton of casuarina =

5000x1000x1/4x/859.845 = 1453.75 kwh

— 

      5MW Power Mill (Plant Load Factor=0.9)

      Per day production =1000X5X24X0.9 =108000kwh

      Per year production =108000x365 =39420000kwh

      Casuarina wood required per year

      =39420000/1453.75=27116.07911m.ton.

      Per day requirement =74.29 rounded to75m.tons.

      Area required@productivity of 60m.tons per acre

      with 4 year rotation period =452acres

      For continuous operation =452x4=1808acres

      Per day area required =1.23acres(0.5ha)

—

      Total no. of blocks in Tamil nadu=397

      Area required for cutivation of casuarina for operation of

5M.W.power mill in all the blocks=397x1808=717776 acres

      Power production capacity=397x5=1985mw. 

BIOMASS POWER PLANTS:

 

VIABILITY OF POWER PLANTS:

—Cost of electricity per unit=4.65

—Revenue to be realized per year=39420000x4.65= Rs 183303000

—Cost of wood =27116x3000= 81348000

—Profit margin=183303000-81348000=Rs 101955000

—Viability is facilitated by many other factors.

INCENTIVES TO THE MILLS: 

     1. Capital subsidy @Rs 20/lakhs/MW subject to Maximum of 5 MW.


2. Fiscal incentives in terms of excise duty concession, reduced

customs duty.


3. 80% accelerated depreciation for IT purpose in I year of

installation.


4. Tax holidays for 10 years for profit from the project.

5. Power purchase @Rs4.65/unit as per tariff order of TNERC.


6. Concessional wheeling charges of 3% for distance upto 25 km and


6% for distance beyond 25 km for captive use.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO THE MILLS:

•       Bio char.
•       Activated charcoaL
•       CDM.
•       Prevent migration.
•       Additional employment.
•       Land improvement.
•       Theft, Prevention of transmission loss.
•       Protection of environment.

SCOPE FOR MAXIMISING ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION: 

- BLOCK WAR POWER MILL IN TAMIL NADU. 

- REDUCTION IN TRANSPORTATION COST. 

—TRANSMISSION LOSS REDUCED. 

—PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL COMMUNITY. 

—COST EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION. 

—BETTER LAND USE STRATEGY. 

—ENABLES ENERGY SECURITY OF THE BLOCK. 

—ENSURES GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY. 

—ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO FARMING COMMUNITY.

STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED:

1. START PRODUCER COMPANIES IN EACH BLOCK. 

2. ALL FARMERS AND CONSUMERS ARE TO BE MADE AS

-MEMBERS,WITH SHARE PARTICIPATION. 

3. GOVT. IS ALSO A MEMBER WITH MAXIMUM SHARE VALUE OF 

RS.25-CRORES. 

4. ROLE TO BE ASSIGNED TO BLOCK LEVEL TREE  GROWERS. 

5. EFFORTS TO MAKE IT AS A ‘CDM ‘ PROJECT. 

6. TIE UP WITH TREE GROWERS TO PROCURE WOOD SIMILAR TO

-CANE PROCUREMENT BY SUGAR MILLS. 

7. VENTURE CAPITAL  FOR ERECTION AND RAISE PLANTATIONS 

8. CAUTION FOR DIVERSION OF LAND  FROM AGRICULTURE AT THE 

-COST OF FOOD SECURITY. 

9. SUBSIDY AND SOFT LOAN ARRANGEMENT THROUGH NEW AND 

-RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPARTMENT.  

 

BENEFITS TO MEMBERS (Farmers): 

   

1.Members (read as farmers) will initially receive only such value for the

 produce or products pooled and supplied as the directors may determine.

 
2. The withheld amount may be disbursed later either in cash or in kind 

or by allotment of equity shares.

 
3. Members will be eligible to receive bonus shares and patronage bonus

(akin to dividend).  

(Concluded). 

    Some points to discuss: 
 

1. Readers are requested to send their opinion and corrections required in 

 

the given report to my email. 

 

2. Clarifications regarding some contentious issues like yield and profit from 

 

Casuarina junghuhniana and matters relating to energy conversion and power 

 

production will be sent to the above authors on your behalf and their replies 

 

will be published in this blog.

Links for some of my older posts regarding Biomass:

  

1. Melia dubia for Biomass Power production

2. Sustainable energy development should not at the cost of Agriculture.  

Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar.

Melia dubia for Biomass power production:

Dear friends,

"...Treat wood on par with food"...,

"...change from 'Hydrocarbon economy' to 'Carbohydrate economy'.."

"...Fast woods better than Fast foods"

"...Civilizations flourish in fertile soils' and diminish in depleted soils'.."  

"...policies to lift 'Primary sector' from the 'Tread mill' and place on 'Escalator',

"...cultivation and utilization of trees as an economically viable, ecologically    empathetic, environmentally ameliorative and aesthetically acceptable..." 

By now you might have guessed the person who cleverly uses the likes of above keywords and key phrases to deliver a punch to get the attention of the listeners. He is none other then our Dr.G.Kumaravelu, former Indian Forest service Officer and a well known Forest and tree scientist in India. 

He is the person who introduced Melia dubia for economical upliftment of farmers and the main driving force to popularize the concept of using Melia dubia for biomass power generation.

• 'Melia dubia tree holds promise of good returns for ryots'

• 'Melia dubia tree can generate substantial power for Tamilnadu'

• 'Utilising the Melia dubia wood as alternative fuel in co-generation plants of co-operative sugar mills in the State' (Note: Last part of the above article deals with Melia dubia).

Trees suitable for biomass power generation should have the following characteristics: Fast growing, drought tolerance, tolerance to grow in all types soil, coppice capability, short gestation period of 2-3 years, with high calorific value, less ash content Etc.,

Casuarina junghuhniana, Casuarina equestifolia, Eucalyptus, Melia dubia, Leucaena leucocephala (Subapul), Prosopis juliflora (Seemai karuvel / Vaeli karuvel in Tamil), Bamboo are viable source of feedstock for combustible type Biomass power plants.

Some major companies, who have established their units in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts with the intention of using Prosopis Juliflora which is seen almost everywhere in Tamil Nadu, as their main biomass material are feeling the pinch now with the high cost and non availability of feedstock. It is not an exaggeration to mention here that many of the biomass power plants had become economically unviable and had to be shut. 

The time has now come for them to establish energy plantations, announcing  'Minimum Support Price' and entering into 'Buy back agreements' to infuse confidence among the farmers.

According to Dr.G.Kumaravelu, Melia dubia (Malai Vembu in Tamil, Hebbevu in Kannada, Konda Veppa in Telugu) is the right choice for establishing large scale energy plantations because of it's excellent utility value as Biomass fuel with good Calorific value of 5,043 - 5,176 Kcal / Kg., lesser ash content of 2.88% and higher fixed carbon content.

Electricity production in Biomass Gasifier / Combustion using 'Melia dubia':

• Spacing @1.5x1.5m...........-  1740 Plants / Acre.
• Yield @ 50 Kg/tree after 2 years - 87 Tonnes/Acre/irrigated & fertigated.
• Yield per year...................-  44 Tonnes /Acre / Year
• 1MW production................-  24 Tonnes/Day. (Roughly 2Kg for 1 unit)
• For 365 days.....................-  8760 Tonnes/Year. (Approx.9000 T)
• If the yield is 50 T/Acre/Year, than for continuous feedstock availability 360 acres (180 acres x 2) of Melia should be planted.
• Viability: 10 MW plant. So, 3600 acres are to be planted.
• Profit for farmer:87TxRs.2000=Rs.1.74 Lakh /2 years (-) cultivation + Drip + Fertilizers + Harvest cost Rs.0.74= Rs.1.00 L (i.e) Rs.0.50/year.
• Cost of production for the mill: Rs.3.50 per unit.
• Cost of selling electricity - Rs.4.50 per unit.
• Minimum profit for the company (per unit) - Rs.1.00 

This meagre profit to the power producer is due to the wrong calculation adopted by the Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency when fixing power purchase rate. The agency estimated the biomass cost at Rs.1000 per ton whereas the  present actual cost is around Rs.2500 / Ton.

Apart from sales, the other benefits being enjoyed by the companies are capital subsidy, selling the byproducts  - Biochar and Activated charcoal, availing carbon credit under CDM and the subsidy from Department of Non-conventional Energy.

All is well for the producers and to the power buyers because they are getting  cheap subsidy and power at cheap rate respectively.

All is not well to the farmers since companies are still offering Minimum Support Price of only Rs.1800/Ton/at farm gate even for contract farming (Click the Link:FCRI- Market Current Prices).

Need of the hour is for the Government to take into account the interests of the farmers and fix a reasonable Minimum Support Price on the lines of 'Sugarcane Pricing' every year. In the present chaotic power scenario, our Govt. can also directly participate in the "Power from Biomass programme" like its decision to participate in the ethanol programme of Sugar Industry.

By announcing more procurement price for the feedstock and a reasonable price for the Power produced by the companies, our Govt. will not only solve the present power crisis but also will bring back smiles to the majority voters (sic) farmers.

Regards,
A.Vishnu Sankar

Sustainable Energy Development should not be at the cost of Agriculture

Dear Friends,

"Plants for Power plants" is the buzz word now. 

There are news reports that by raising plantations that could be used in biomass power generation, the wastelands in our country could be converted into green lands and farmers will get substantial entitlements and enviable returns.  

There is no question that "Energy is Engine for growth" and 'Bio-energy is Green energy and Clean energy'.  

 

The word 'Biomass' in this context can be referred as 'Bio-degradable wastes' that can be burnt as fuel. In wood fired Biomass power plants, biomass is burnt to produce steam which in turn is used for power generation through turbines.

The worrying development now in India is that almost all agricultural wastes find their way into furnaces for power production. Our self styled environmentalists conveniently forgot that for a sustainable agriculture a portion of produce must be returned back to our mother earth to maintain a reasonable 'Organic Carbon content' in the soil.  

If this pillage is allowed further then the all important 'Carbon cycle' will get seriously disrupted. It is an irony that the proponents of 'CDM's are availing Carbon credits for this carbon plunder.  

These Biomass Power plants have already started to use Coconut fronds, shell, fiber waste, Cotton stalk, straws and stalks of all the plants, Rice husk, Coffee husk, Saw dust,  Corncobs, Ground nut husk, wastes from all Grams (Red, Black, Green Etc..), Millets, Cereals after thrashing  and whatever things they see on road that can be burned. To their benefit our Govt's Biomass Power Policy clearly define the term 'Biomass' as all field level residues, plantation crop residues and Agro industry residues.

To put it simply all agriculture wastes that once found their way to Agri waste pit in our farm for compost making (FYM) is now moving out to these furnaces in the garb of producing 'Clean energy'. 

In the eyes of the farmer, the 'Rice bran/husk' is a cattle feed and a very good manure for his field. An industrialist view it as an input to extract cooking oil. The scenario is entirely different now as it is viewed in terms of 'Biomass availability' (Kt/Yr), Power potential (MWe), 'Calorific value' (Kcal) roughly 1.5 kg of rice husk yields 1 kwh (kilowatts per hour) electricity), and 'ash content' only. In future you may not get rice husk even for cattle feed also. 

Agricultural residual waste is essential for soil health and their total annihilation for power production is detrimental to the equally all important food production.  In similar lines,Cuban President Mr.Fiedal Castro objects to the idea of converting food into fuel.(Read : Ethanol Vs Poor).

So the need of the hour is a change in our Govt's policy thereby forcing these wood fired biomass power companies to procure trees cultivated exclusively for this purpose directly from the farmers under contractual agreement at a prefixed procurement price.

Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar.