Options
Exploitation of clean energy potential of agricultural residue for a sustainable carbon neutral future
Journal
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
ISSN
2190-6815
Date Issued
2026-01
Author(s)
Muhammad Amir Raza
Mohammad Rehan
Muhammad Mohsin Aman
Muhammad Farooq
Abdul-Sattar Nizami
Abstract
Pakistan is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which constitute a significant portion of its energy mix with 48% from natural gas, 33% from furnace oil and only 7% from indigenous renewables, impacting economic activities and environmental sustaianability.
Hence, agriculture waste offers enormous potential for the production of renewable energy, but it is not yet fully utilized. In order to estimate Pakistan’s potential for energy production from 2023 to 2053, a forecast model incorporating historical trends in agricultural yield has been developed in the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP®) software and put into practice for agricultural residue-based biomass resource assessment of six primary agricultural residue (bagasse, rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, cotton straw and rice husk).
It was discovered that Pakistan would have access to approximately 54 million tons of agricultural waste for the purpose of generating electricity in 2023, which translates to a potential capacity of almost 15 GW. By 2053, there will be 135 million tonnes of agricultural residue and renewable energy potential is expected to gradually rise up to 35 GW.
Furthermore, the capital cost of implanting a power system based on agriculture residue will increase from 134.250 million US dollars in 2023 to 313.250 million US dollars till 2053. Agricultural residue represents a valuable resource that can enhance soil health, provide renewable energy, and create economic opportunities.
Accordingly, this study provides sustainable and affordable forecasting of agricultural residue based clean energy potential and it is suggested to adopt the sustainable practices for recycling agricultural residues, that helps to mitigate environmental impacts while maximizing benefits for agricultural productivity and energy security.
Hence, agriculture waste offers enormous potential for the production of renewable energy, but it is not yet fully utilized. In order to estimate Pakistan’s potential for energy production from 2023 to 2053, a forecast model incorporating historical trends in agricultural yield has been developed in the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP®) software and put into practice for agricultural residue-based biomass resource assessment of six primary agricultural residue (bagasse, rice straw, wheat straw, corn stover, cotton straw and rice husk).
It was discovered that Pakistan would have access to approximately 54 million tons of agricultural waste for the purpose of generating electricity in 2023, which translates to a potential capacity of almost 15 GW. By 2053, there will be 135 million tonnes of agricultural residue and renewable energy potential is expected to gradually rise up to 35 GW.
Furthermore, the capital cost of implanting a power system based on agriculture residue will increase from 134.250 million US dollars in 2023 to 313.250 million US dollars till 2053. Agricultural residue represents a valuable resource that can enhance soil health, provide renewable energy, and create economic opportunities.
Accordingly, this study provides sustainable and affordable forecasting of agricultural residue based clean energy potential and it is suggested to adopt the sustainable practices for recycling agricultural residues, that helps to mitigate environmental impacts while maximizing benefits for agricultural productivity and energy security.