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TECHNOLOGY
Research Theme 1 aims at understanding which technologies are required if bioenergy is to power rural social and economic development without negatively impacting food and water security. The objective of this research is not to select actual technologies, but to provide policy makers with a framework for assessing existing and prospective technology options.
The challenges that face policy makers in analysing technologies are complex, and can relate to production, processing, and/or end use.
In terms of production, one of the key issues is to identify technologies that won’t negatively impact food and water security. In this context, the inputs to bioenergy production must be carefully considered – not only what types of energy crops are viable but their characteristics with respect to water, land, and energy trade-offs. For example, palm oil production is attracting increasing interest but the plantations can be water intensive. Through PISCES, partner countries are also assessing the extent to which it is viable to utilise existing agricultural or industrial waste products as bioenergy sources.
Viability is also a key factor from the bioenergy processing perspective. Here, PISCES is seeking to identify how the cost, performance, and scale attributes of different technologies can contribute to energy security for the poor.
Finally, there is the question of which appliances (burners, generators, stoves, etc) will prove most attractive to end-users, how need they be adapted, and what incentives are needed to encourage the poor to trade up to cleaner bioenergy choices.
PISCES is addressing these challenges with research into the viability of different bioenergy production, processing, and appliance technologies; improved data; and development of bioenergy resources in the four partner countries of Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Demonstration projects and case studies are providing concrete examples to policy makers of what can be achieved.
Publications
• Jatropha Feasibility Study in Kenya, October 2008: The Jatropha plant has drawn considerable interest for its use as a biodiesel because of its ability to grow on marginal and unproductive lands. This feasibility study concluded there was potential for the jatropha biodiesel industry in Kenya, but current initiatives are scattered, small and hampered by lack of information, clear policy and regulatory frameworks, and a lack of institutions specifically charged with the role of developing the industry.
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