Wood Biomass from Coffee Plantations as an Alternate Energy Source

Abstract

Use of biomass as substitute for fossil fuel and high energy intensive products like cement, steel, etc. has significant contribution in overcoming global climate change. This not only ensures the reduction of CO₂ emission to the atmosphere but also encourages the absorption of CO₂ from the atmosphere by the trees replaced after harvest. In the present study, the authors estimated the quantity of wood removed from private plantations of Kodagu district dominated by Coffee plants (Coffeea canefora and Coffeea arabica), for a period of 12 years (1992 to 2003). From the study it is found that, 1,35,794 Mt of wood was harvested including fuelwood and other forms of wood. Out of this 57,474 Mt was used for manufacturing various utility products which will sequester 1,05,379 Mt of CO₂ for period ranging from 60 to 200 years. A total of 78321 Mt of the harvested wood was used for fuel 3 purpose which, in energy density terms, is equivalent to 25,580 Mt of LPG and 27,285 X 10³ liters of kerosene.