Energy from biomass-based wastes for sustainable energy development

There are three technologies for biomass waste-to-energy; combustion, gasification and biogass. Direct combustion systems may use steam turbines and, if so, are generally used for only the larger applications. Biomass gasification systems produce a synthesis gas, which can be burned in a gas or diesel engine to provide electricity or motive power or burned in a boiler or furnace to provide heat. This possibility of providing motive or productive uses can be a key attraction of gasification systems for off-grid commercial applications. Typical feedstocks include rice husk, sawdust and wood waste and modular systems are increasingly available for off-grid applications. A biogas power system converts biomass feedstock in the form of animal dung, human excreta and leafy plant materials anaerobically digested to produce a combustible biogas. The simplicity and modularity of design, construction and operation and the variety of uses for the biogas product, make this technology well suited for small-scale applications. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a major environmental problem in Turkey. Problems associated with municipal solid waste are difficult to address, but efforts towards more efficient collection and transportation and environmentally acceptable waste disposal continue in Turkey. This study presents a brief discussion of renewable energy from biomass-based wastes and municipal solid waste management in the world and in Turkey.