NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL. OFC. OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS. BOARD ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Diffusion of biomass energy technologies in developing countries
Although the substitution of biomass for petroleum to meet cooking and small industry needs in urban areas is causing serious deforestation and erosion in developing countries, properly designed biomass conversion technologies, which could reduce environmental decline, are not being adequately diffused to those most dependent on the use of biomass - the rural and urban poor.
1984
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Abstract
This report reviews technical, economic, cultural, and political factors that affect the introduction and diffusion of technologies to generate biomass through fuelwood plantations and agroforestry and to use biomass in improved cooking stoves, charcoal manufacture, thermal gasification, and in the production of biogas and fuel alcohol. The report also covers the nature of the diffusion process, the needs of the urban and rural poor, the characteristics of the technologies, and their feasibility and acceptability by the poor. Factors promoting acceptance by the rural and urban poor of innovative systems include a strong commitment by government and local officials, community involvement and access to reliable information, and inclusion of additional benefits other than energy in the plan. Developing country experience with these technologies is briefly described, followed by conclusions and recommendations. A 25-item bibliography (1979-82) is appended.
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