Comparative Studies of the Energy Properties for Prosopisjuliflora and Rice Husks (Oryza sp.) as Feedstock for Renewable Energy Generation

Management of Agricultural wastes especially rice husks and the invasive weed species Prosopis juliflora which has seen massive invasions in many areas in Kenya presents great challenges to the environment. Rice husks are a key byproduct of rice production thats not considered of economic value and since they do not biodegrade easily they pose a waste management issue in many of the rice growing regions in Kenya. The invasion of P. julifrora in most parts of Kenya has resulted in a myriad of social and ecological concerns. Even though investment in its control has been an issue for over a period of time now since the invasion, recent studies show potential of using it to produce bio-energy. The objective of the study was to carryout comparative studies on the potential for utilization of Rice husks and P. juliflora as a renewable energy resource for energy production. Chemical composition of Syngas was carried using Fourier Transform Gas analyser (Matrix MG from Bruker) to determine the composition of the syngas. Co-firing of P. juliflora and rice husks was also assessed. Syngas from rice husks was found to be composed of 17.05 0.21 % CO, 15.7 0.14 % CO2, 4.3 0.00 % H2, 7.35 0.07 % CH4 and 28.1 0.42 % N2 among others while Syngas from Prosopis was found to be composed of 21.15 0.91 % CO, 13.15 0.50 % CO2, 19.25 0.07 H2, 5.45 0.07 CH4 and 40.585 0.19 % N2 among others. Finally Syngas from co-firing of the two feedstocks was found to be composed of 18.37 0.45 % CO, 12.77 0.21 % CO2, 15.4 0.3 H2, 8.87 0.35 % CH4 and 32.6 0.56 % N2 among others