International Journal Evolving Sustainable and Renewable Energy Solutions
Prospect of Peat as an Energy Source from Hakaluki Haor, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh
Abstract
Mohammed Masum and Mohammad Omer Faruk Khan
Peat is the bioaccumulation product of vegetal matter which is formed in oxygen poor environment so that the plant material can be partially decomposed and form layers of organic substances. Since peat is formed from plant material such as woody and leafy parts it has some energy generation potential. Although peat is used to generate electricity in very limited cases such as in Ireland, Finland and as it has low carbon content of less than 60%, it is used for domestic heating in some places around the world [1,2]. Peat can also be used as a boiler fuel but due to high moisture content and heavy steam generation, specialized type boiler is needed [1]. Some researchers have been carried out on peat as an alternative energy source in different parts of the world. The energy source potential of peat of Rwanda has been discussed by Mugerwa et al., where they showed that energy can be generated from peat with high moisture content of 70.88%, calorific value of 3976 Kcal/kg, and ash content of 80% [3]. Jones, considered the power generation by burning peat to be feasible instead of coal [1]. At least 30% of Ireland’s electricity is generated from peat [4]. Peat is a very good raw material for gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to produce H2 and carbon dioxide. After the production the gas is cleaned and in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis biodiesel or other fueled are formed by catalysts. The yield is high (about 55% raw material is transformed into fuel and 35% into heat) to be used at a heat and power source with very high overall efficiency of 90%. Also, the quality of fuel is high and very suitable for vehicle engines and distribution systems. The gasification process is widely used in South Africa using coal as raw material. Peat can also be used [5]. In Bangladesh although there are many peat deposits all over the country it has never been considered as a main source of energy. Peat is only used locally in some parts for domestic cooking. Hakaluki Haor is one such peat deposit of Bangladesh with considerable amount of peat reserve. In this study the potential of peat as an energy source has been discussed.