The biomass gasification market size is expected to advance at a CAGR of 7.16% during 2022–2030, to reach USD 187.3 billion by 2030. The growing demand for the gasification of organic waste can be ascribed to the government drives for rural electrification and the widespread acceptance of these systems for waste processing as a replacement for conventional techniques, such as incineration and landfills.
The acceleration of the clean energy transition requires an increase in the global output of sustainable electricity and heat generation technologies and related inputs, such as critical minerals. Electricity generation from renewables rose by a record 500 TWh in 2021.
Over time, the use of low‐emissions fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and hydrogen‐based fuels, have increased significantly, especially in aviation, shipping, and long‐haul road freight. This would drive the usage of gasifiers as they can convert biomass into such fuels.
The demand for biofuels is increasing because countries are augmenting their focus on zero-emission fuels. According to US Energy Information Administration, in July 2021, 37 million barrels of biofuels were produced in the U.S., the most since the beginning of 2020.The robust growth in gasoline and diesel consumption is strengthening the government policies on biodiesel blending in India and Indonesia.
The replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels has the potential to minimize GHG emissions by up to 66%, slow down exhaustible resource depletion, and decrease the dependence on unstable foreign oil and gas suppliers. The increasing demand for biofuels could also improve farm income.
As a downside, since biofuel feedstock needs significant land and water, apart from other resources, biofuel production may lead to negative effects on the environment and human health. Thermochemical plants aid in transforming waste management into an opportunity for various food processing sectors, farms, wastewater treatment industries, and dairies. The conversion of waste into useful products, including electricity, fuels, and fertilizers, could, thus, advance sustainability outcomes.
Europe is expected to show significant growth, attributed to the rising focus on sustainable development. The increasing importance of clean energy sources and environment-friendly solutions are boosting the demand for biomass gasifiers in the region. Furthermore, the growing demand for syngas and other chemicals in European countries and the increasing trade activities are propelling the market growth.
The increasing population has fueled the requirement for food and other essential resources. This has, in turn, increased agricultural and industrial activities, which has resulted in the poor management of waste. The waste generated from these sources is left in the field to decompose, or burned in the open, which has become a key driver for pollution in many cities, such as Delhi.
Therefore, the usage of biowaste for energy generation has gained popularity. Biomass includes industrial waste, agriculture waste, municipal solid waste, and animal waste, the volume of which is rising with the rampant urbanization. For instance, biomass-based electricity capacity in the U.S. was estimated at 6,289 MW at the end of 2020, including a 778-MW waste biomass capacity and a 5,510-MW wood biomass capacity.
The most-significant biomass gasification market players are Synthesis Energy Systems Inc., Bellwether Recuperative Gasification Ltd., Valmet, Chanderpur Group, Infinite Energy Pvt. Ltd., Enersol Biopower Private Limited, Yosemite Clean Energy, Syncraft, Fulcrum BioEnergy, and DP CleanTech.