A Multi-step Quick Scan for Options and Limitations of Biogenic Resources—From Agricultural Statistics to CNG tuk tuks in India

Abstract

India shows a rapid development—increasing population, economic growth, increasing energy demand, a strong government, ambitious goals in reducing GHG emissions and a sustainable integration of renewable energies into the Indian daily life are only some of the efforts. One of the major challenges is the transport sector as a main air polluter. Here, an approach is needed to find promising starting points for a significant improvement. This article describes a multi-step Quick Scan to evaluate chances and limitations from the perspective of biogenic resources. In this context, the approach moderates a pathway from general national statistics to a preferential sustainable application of a biogenic resource on a regional level. Accordingly, the Quick Scan provides data for the following argumentation: India’s top ten crops are headed by sugar cane. Besides sugar as the main product, the by-product press mud is suitable for fermentation in biogas plants. Bottled into cylinders, around 4.7–5.6 million tuk tuks could drive 5,000 km with biomethane/CNG, theoretically. In comparison with petrol, the use of biomethane for transport can mitigate up to 85% of CO₂-eq emissions. To mobilise parts of this potential, preference regions with best conditions have to be found. More than 40% of national production can be found in the state Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). A high density of sugar mills in western U.P. leads to high press mud potentials in this region. In a distance of 50 km, more than 500,000 t press mud is achievable as a maximum. The findings deliver essential base data for a more detailed feasibility assessment and can support decision-making crucially.