Small-Scale Biomass Gasifiers for Heat and Power: A Global Review

This is the final report of the Biomass Gasification Monitoring Program (BGMP) sponsored by the joint UNDP/World Bank Energy Management Assessment Programme (ESMAP). The four year biomass monitoring program (1986-90) compiled uniform data on the performance, economics, safety, and public acceptability of biomass gasifiers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This report summarizes data obtained from field reports submitted during the life of the monitoring program and synthesizes the insights gained from the program as a whole. As the first comprehensive review of the state of the art of biomass gasification in developing countries, the report is intended as a reference manual and guide for policymakers, planners, investors and entrepreneurs. It begins by explaining the revival of worldwide interest in biomass gasification for developing countries during the 1970s and 1980s as well as the rationale for the monitoring program. It continues, by discussing the technical, commercial, economic, pollution, health and safety aspects of biomass gasification technology. The report describes the methods used by the BGMP, the gasifiers monitored, and the results of the monitoring. Performance aspects of the technology, as revealed by BGMP data, are also discussed and analyzed. Then insights on the costs and economics of the use of biomass gasifiers are provided. The report summarizes the project's conclusions concerning the value added of biomass gasifiers costs and economics of gasification and reliability of gasification equipment.