Gasification
In a gasifier, a process called pyrolysis takes place. This is basically an incomplete combustion due to the absence or limited availability of oxygen. The heat of the process drives out combustible gases which will be routed to a separate combustion process. During the normal burning of biomass, expelling the combustible gases and combusting them happens practically at the same location. Due to the controlled conditions of a gasification process, the emissions to the atmosphere are lower than compared to the normal burning process.
Finally, as with biogas, the agricultural by-products will normally decompose in the field resulting in a discharge of methane. Under the controlled gasification conditions, the combustible gases are captured and used in a combustion process to generate heat, shaft power or electricity.
CREEC possesses a gasifier from India and is currently looking into funding opportunities for installing and commencing to operate the equipment to provide a showcase for Uganda, to provide training programs to the private sector and to implement applied research for the Ugandan environment.
Recently, the centre in cooperation with UNIDO held a training program / workshop in Uganda, bringing an expert in gasification from India to Uganda. Also a number of universities from Europe, the USA and South Africa have expressed interest in cooperation with CREEC to further develop the centre’s capacities in gasification. One of the goals is to implement a program for inspection of gasifiers, advice and problem solving with consultants from the centre.