Utilizing Locally Available Bioresources for Powering Remote Indigenous Communities: A Framework and Case Study

Jeremy B. Trombley (), Kamaljit K. Sangha, Alan N. Andersen and Suresh N. Thennadil
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Jeremy B. Trombley: Energy and Resources Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
Kamaljit K. Sangha: Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
Alan N. Andersen: Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
Suresh N. Thennadil: Energy and Resources Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: We establish a framework to examine the feasibility of using local vegetation for bioenergy power systems in small-scale applications and remote settings. The framework has broad application, and we present a specific case here to demonstrate the process. Our case study is the Tiwi Islands in northern Australia, where a large Acacia mangium plantation is a potential source of biofuel feedstock. Two types of technology were considered: 1. Bio-oil from pyrolysis in diesel generators and 2. Direct combustion coupled with a steam turbine. The biomass was characterized and found to have adequate properties for an energy crop, with a lower heating value of about 18 MJ/kg and entire tree ash content of 2%. Measurements from trees that were damaged from wildfires had similar results, showing potential value recovery for a plantation after unplanned fire. In comparison to a petroleum diesel-based generator, the bio-oil system was 12% more expensive. The direct combustion system was found to be the most economical of those explored here, costing as low as 61% of the bio-oil system. Additional social and environmental benefits were identified, including local employment opportunities, improved energy security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Our findings of high techno-economic potential of bioenergy systems, especially through direct combustion, are widely applicable to on-demand renewable energy supply in remote communities.

Keywords: biomass; remote electrification; bio-oil; pyrolysis; combustion; techno-economic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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