9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

Some snippets from IFGTB 'Tree Growers Mela -2012:

Part - 6
Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

3
Share

A detailed report on 'Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development' is the joint
work of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga sundaram, IFS,Present Chief Conservator of Forests, Tirunelveli (Former
Head of the Department of Biodiversity, IFGTB) and Dr.R.Gopalan and presented as Power point by
the former professionally to the audience, who are mostly farmers, on the concluding day of the Tree
growers Mela - 2012.
This report analyzes in detail the issues involved in "Energy management, Growth Vs Energy, Types of
energy, Energy Resources, Energy efficiency, Current Energy Demand, Energy consumption, Energy
scenario in India and Biomass power".
From the above presentation, I would like to bring to our readers the main subject of 'Utilizing
Casuarina for Biomass power production' only.

This report is generated from the PowerPoint presentation of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga

Sundaram,IFS and the contents in its entirety and the projections / assessment
made here are his personal views only.
Those readers who may differ on the issues of yield, profit from Casuarina
junghuhniana, matters relating to energy conversion and the quantum of power
production are requested to express their views here to upgrade this article for
the benefit of the fellow readers.
CASUARINA A BIO RESOURCE :
A tree species belonging to Casuarinacea.
Fast growing species, having multi utility value.
Calorific value = 5000 k.cal. (Approx.)
Wood density is 698 kg/m (irrigated), 703 kg/m (rainfed).
Preferred by farmers for Agro forestry and Farm landafforestation.

http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

1/6

9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

CURRENT UTILITY OF CASUARINA :

HOUSEHOLD FUEL, PULP WOOD,
SCAFFOLDING, CHARCOAL MAKING,
BIO SHIELD (SHELTER BELT, WIND BREAK)
PRODUCTION OF POWER
EXTENT OF CULTIVATION :
Casuarina is cultivated through out South India.
80% of plantations are in the coastal areas in AP, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.
Area planted 5 lac ha. Inland cultivation data deficient.
Rotation 4 years.
Inter cropping practiced in Ist year of planting.
Preferable species Casuarina junghuhniana, a drought tolerant and high yielding variety.

Espacement 1x1m (4000 trees per acre).

YIELDING PATTERN :
Yield varies by
1.
2.
3.
4.

Locations
cultivation techniques adopted
Period of rotation
Irrigation facilities

http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

2/6

9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

5.
6.
7.
8.

Fertilizer application
Soil fertility
Rainfall pattern
40 to 80 tonnes per acre in 4 years and 30 to 40 tonnes per acre
under rainfed conditions is reported.
ECONOMICS OF CASUARINA CULTIVATION :

Usage of high yield clones, 4 year rotation, 1x1m espacement, Coastal

belt, Irrigated land, yearly farm yard manure application, yearly twice
weeding and manual pruning of branches gives the following revenue:
Total income (sale of pruned materials & poles) = 2,50,000 /-*
Tons x Rs.3000 + 10000)

(Average yield 80

Total expenditure (including watch and ward) = 75,000 /Net Income = 1,75,000 /* Data for high yielding variety with the specified field conditions.

CASUARINA vs ELECTRICITY:

CALORIFIC VALUE = 5000 Kcalories

One kilowatt per hour = 859.845kilo calories.
Energy conversion efficiency of casuarina = o.25.
The power production by using One ton of casuarina =
5000x1000x1/4x/859.845 = 1453.75 kwh

5MW Power Mill (Plant Load Factor=0.9)

Per day production =1000X5X24X0.9 =108000kwh
Per year production =108000x365 =39420000kwh
Casuarina wood required per year

http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

3/6

9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

=39420000/1453.75=27116.07911m.ton.
Per day requirement =74.29 rounded to75m.tons.
Area required@productivity of 60m.tons per acre
with 4 year rotation period =452acres
For continuous operation =452x4=1808acres
Per day area required =1.23acres(0.5ha)

Total no. of blocks in Tamil nadu=397

Area required for cutivation of casuarina for operation of
5M.W.power mill in all the blocks=397x1808=717776 acres
Power production capacity=397x5=1985mw.
BIOMASS POWER PLANTS:

VIABILITY OF POWER PLANTS:

Cost of electricity per unit=4.65
Revenue to be realized per year=39420000x4.65= Rs 183303000
Cost of wood =27116x3000= 81348000
Profit margin=183303000-81348000=Rs 101955000
Viability is facilitated by many other factors.
INCENTIVES TO THE MILLS:

1. Capital subsidy @Rs 20/lakhs/MW subject to Maximum of 5 MW.

2. Fiscal incentives in terms of excise duty concession, reduced
customs duty.
3. 80% accelerated depreciation for IT purpose in I year of
installation.
4. Tax holidays for 10 years for profit from the project.
http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

4/6

9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

5. Power purchase @Rs4.65/unit as per tariff order of TNERC.

6. Concessional wheeling charges of 3% for distance upto 25 km and
6% for distance beyond 25 km for captive use.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO THE MILLS:
Bio char.
Activated charcoaL
CDM.
Prevent migration.
Additional employment.
Land improvement.
Theft, Prevention of transmission loss.
Protection of environment.

SCOPE FOR MAXIMISING ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION:

- BLOCK WAR POWER MILL IN TAMIL NADU.
- REDUCTION IN TRANSPORTATION COST.
TRANSMISSION LOSS REDUCED.
PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL COMMUNITY.
COST EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION.
BETTER LAND USE STRATEGY.
ENABLES ENERGY SECURITY OF THE BLOCK.
ENSURES GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY.
ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO FARMING COMMUNITY.
STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED:
1. START PRODUCER COMPANIES IN EACH BLOCK.
2. ALL FARMERS AND CONSUMERS ARE TO BE MADE AS
-MEMBERS,WITH SHARE PARTICIPATION.
3. GOVT. IS ALSO A MEMBER WITH MAXIMUM SHARE VALUE OF
RS.25-CRORES.
4. ROLE TO BE ASSIGNED TO BLOCK LEVEL TREE GROWERS.
5. EFFORTS TO MAKE IT AS A CDM PROJECT.
6. TIE UP WITH TREE GROWERS TO PROCURE WOOD SIMILAR TO
-CANE PROCUREMENT BY SUGAR MILLS.
7. VENTURE CAPITAL FOR ERECTION AND RAISE PLANTATIONS
8. CAUTION FOR DIVERSION OF LAND FROM AGRICULTURE AT THE
-COST OF FOOD SECURITY.
9. SUBSIDY AND SOFT LOAN ARRANGEMENT THROUGH NEW AND
-RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPARTMENT.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS (Farmers):
1.Members (read as farmers) will initially receive only such value for the
produce or products pooled and supplied as the directors may determine.
2. The withheld amount may be disbursed later either in cash or in kind
or by allotment of equity shares.
http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

5/6

9/21/2015

Agroforestry - A blog on Agrihortisilviculture: Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

3. Members will be eligible to receive bonus shares and patronage bonus

(akin to dividend).
(Concluded).

Some points to discuss:

1. Readers are requested to send their opinion and corrections required in
the given report to my email.
2. Clarifications regarding some contentious issues like yield and profit from
Casuarina junghuhniana and matters relating to energy conversion and power
production will be sent to the above authors on your behalf and their replies
will be published in this blog.

http://agrowmania.blogspot.in/2012/06/casuarina-junghuhniana-for-sustainable.html

6/6