Pakistan: Govt plans to use biomass plants

The government plans to produce bio-energy by utilising biomass plants, residues like wheat straw, rice husk, cotton sticks, corn cobs, kallar grass and other salt tolerant plants.

The project is proposed to be completed during 2007-2010, with an estimated cost of Rs 295.4 million. The production of bio-energy from plant residues is in vogue in many countries like United States of America (USA), Brazil, Northern America and European Union.
According to the sponsoring agency of the project ministry of science and technology, the project would carryout research on meaningful utilization of plan residual mater to convert into bio-fuel to be used as an alternative source of energy.

Crop residuals, which remain unutilized and wasted in the country, would have their best alternative profitable use and it will increase the profitability of the farming sector.

The project envisages utilizing the experience already gained to develop economically feasible production of bio-fuel from biomass. Further research and development studies would be undertaken on the conversion of plant residues like wheat straw, rice husk, cotton sticks, corm cobs, kallar grass and other salt tolerant plants into ethanol or biogas so as to use it as an alternate source of energy.

Daily Times