Biomass based power generation is one of the promising renewable options. This article reviews the status and potential of biomass based power for India.

After harsh contention the conservative and social democrats forming the fractious German government have agreed on a revision of the Renewable Energy Sources Act that regulates clean power promotion. Dispute was sharpest over provisions of photovoltaics.

Concerns for energy conservation, developing sustainable energy sources and interest towards national energy security benefits combined with growing environmental pollution is necessitating the search for renewable energy sources. Of the renewable energy sources, biomass is highly flexible and the least cost alternative.

Nitrogen (N) is essential to the survival of all life forms and often limits productivity, decomposition and the long-term accumulation of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil and vegetation are the respective primary and secondary sinks for N in terrestrial ecosystems. Litter production determines the amount and quality of N returned to the forest floor and mineral soil. Decomposition of litter is crucial for N recycling and is influenced by a number of factors, including litter concentrations of N and lignin.

South Asia being an energy-deficit region, there is a strong case for developing regional cooperation in this sector. This may take different forms. India has surplus petroleum refining capacity while other countries in the region are importers of petroleum products. The real benefits will accrue from cooperation in power generation.

We know that the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions come from the use of energy