Biomass To Energy Potential On St. Kitts & NevisMark Lambrides (OAS/DSD)K.H. De Cuba (OAS/DSD)M. Rivera-Ramirez (ESG)Initial Stakeholders MeetingJune13, 2006

ContentIntroduction MissionScopePossible Process OverviewChallengesOpportunitiesBiomassBio-Energy AssessmentFollow up

IntroductionJustifications for Bio-Energy AssessmentShutdown of the sugar industryUnemploymentDecreased sources of incomeRecent increase in sugar pricesCurrent waste managementHealth impactsEnvironmental impactsHigh energy pricesHigh cost of diesel import for electricity generationHigh cost of transportation fuelsDependent on external geo-political forces

IntroductionSugar cane scenario overview (1)

IntroductionSugar cane scenario overview (2)

IntroductionCurrent energy scenario overview

IntroductionCurrent waste scenario overview

MissionFind if there is reliable biomass feedstock supply for long term productionHighlight commercially viable biomass to energy conversion approachOutline strategy for public-private partnership to develop biomass to energy Attract commercially proven developers to consider investment approach in SKN

ScopeFocused on sugarcane and municipal waste biomass availability on St. KittsFocus on liquid biofuel and electric power productionPotential for value-added products

Possible Process Overview

ChallengesEconomies of scaleModest biomass feedstock availabilityBiomass conversion technologiesLand use competitionInformation dissemination on sustainable alternativesFamiliarity with current methods of production

OpportunitiesEnvironmental/health benefitsCO2 reductionIncreased soil fertilitySanitary issuesJob provisionExistence of skilled labor force Energy securityEconomic Avoided investment cost: No need for additional landfill/waste management alternatives Decreased expenditures on electricityDiversification of economic activities

BiomassDefinition and SourcesOrganic matter, matter from any living organismAnimal/human wasteFood cropsGrassy and woody plantsResidues from agriculture or forestryOrganic component of municipal and industrial wastes

BiomassAs a renewable fuelNo net carbon emissions Carbon dioxide released when biomass is used as fuel is balanced by the carbon dioxide captured when the biomass is grown

BiomassConversion

BiomassConversions of interest

Combustion: direct-fired systems. They burn bio-energy feedstocks directly. Gasification: biomass is heated with no oxygen or only about one-third the oxygen needed for efficient combustion. Biomass then gasifies to a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogensynthesis gas or syngas. Biochemical: relies on the abilities of specific microorganisms to convert biomass components to useful liquids and gases, as ethanol or methane.

Bio Energy AssessmentObjective Financial and economic analysis of a potential Domestic Bio-Energy Programme to test its commercially sustainability

Bio Energy AssessmentMethodologyResource assessment (supply and demand)Technology identificationEvaluate economic and financial feasibility of technologies given the resource availability

Bio Energy AssessmentResource Assessment (1)Agricultural cropsSugarcane or palm oilCharacteristics of sugar caneYields and landCollection, processing, and transportResidues generatedStorage

Bio Energy AssessmentResource Assessment (2)Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage SludgeCharacteristics of wasteQuantitiesCollection and treatmentWaste landfill capacity

Bio Energy AssessmentResource Assessment (3)Additional market dataEnergy Needs AssessmentCurrent consumptionLocal markets for products

Bio Energy AssessmentTechnology identificationDirect contact with experts and manufacturersLiterature reviews and existing expertise

Bio Energy AssessmentEconomic and financial feasibilityUtilize feedstock supply, conversion and market data elements to evaluate feasibility of Domestic Bio-Energy Programme

Follow UpBio-energy as part of the Sustainable Energy Plan (SEP)LegislationSocial benefitsInstitutional capacityPower purchase agreementsInvestors workshop

Follow UpPlans for the assessmentRemainder of this weekData gathering interviews with stakeholders in St. Kitts and NevisPreparation of preliminary assessmentDraft expected by end of AugustStakeholder review and comment on draftPresentation of findingsInitiative to facilitate development