A study on the potential of corn cob engine-generator for electricity generation in Thailand

This paper describes the potential of using corn cob as a primary energy source for electricity generation in Thailand. Due to increase in energy demands, fuel cost, and environmental issues, the reliance of fossil fuel has to be reduced. One of the alternatives is to utilize agricultural residues. This paper provides an overview of the availability of corn cob in Thailand and a description of a small-scaled biomass gasifier engine-generator. Based on literature research and estimation, over 1 GWh/year could be produced from this technique. This will provide substantial savings on fuel cost and reduction on environmental impacts. In addition to the generation of electricity, this also provides a safe means to dispose the waste residues. This is an initial phase of an ongoing project to be undertaken in Phitsanulok, Thailand.