Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
2. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation, but not in internal combustion engines.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)        

Explanation:

• Coconut shells, groundnut shells, and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification. Hence the statement 1 is correct.
• In the gasification process, organic material is converted into methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide. It is obtained by reacting the material at high temperature (>7000C) without combustion with a controlled amount of oxygen/steam and the resulting gas mixture is called Syngas or Producer Gas which itself is a fuel. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. Hence, The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation as well as in internal combustion engines. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.