Cummins India Ltd and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have announced an agreement for commercialisation of biomass gasification power generation systems.

Under the agreement, Cummins India and IISc will jointly continue work on integrated development and release of power generation systems based on Open Down Draft biomass gasification systems developed by ABETS, IISc. Cummins India will launch a new range of generator sets, which would work on gasifiers designed using IISc technology. The generator sets will be available in a range of ratings starting from 25 kWe, and extend to multiple unit power plants over 1.5 MWe, a statement said here on Tuesday.

Biomass is a low-cost and sustainable fuel source, which uses the gasification route for power generation.

Prof P.J. Paul, IISc Bangalore, has said in the statement, "Our technology package known as `Open Top Re-burn Down Draft Biomass Gasifier' generates gas from a range of biomass that comprises forest residue, agricultural residue, bagasse, etc. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) has estimated more than 1,700 MW potential for producer gas as fuel from biomass which can help power the 1.25 lakh villages unelectrified today."

                                                                      contd on page ......