IMPACT OF ENERGY FROM

BAGASSE IN THE
SOCIETY MAURITIAN
CONTEXT
RAMJAN ABDALLAH IRFAAN

- 1413803

HALKHARI VEDHISH

- 1413874

BEEKHORY ABDOOL ZUBER AHMAD

- 1413875

RUGHOOA ASHISH

- 1414148

JEEROBURKAN AHMAD SAIFALI

- 1414202

29. January. 2016

Faculty of Engineering
Mechanical and Production Engineering Department
University of Mauritius

Impact of energy from bagasse on the society

Authors:

RAMJAN ABDALLAH IRFAAN

- 1413803

HALKHARI VEDHISH

- 1413874

BEEKHORY ABDOOL ZUBER AHMAD

- 1413875

RUGHOOA ASHISH

- 1414148

JEEROBURKAN AHMAD SAIFALI

- 1414202

Programme: BEng (Hons.) Mechanical Engineering (Minor: Energy

systems)
Done by: Group R
Recipient: Dr. Jaykumar Chummun

Code of Assignment: Assignment 1 (ASSG 1)

Module: MECH2011Y: Thermal Engineering I

Date of submission: 29. January. 2016

ABSTRACT
This assignment aimed at identifying and harnessing the capacity of one source of energy on the society.
The chosen energy source in this case was energy obtained from bagasse fibre.- extracted from
sugarcane a widely grown crop plant in Mauritius. In line with the green energy systems and
mechanisms, the island is geared towards a sustainable environment. Thus, in the assignment, it
enlightens both the positive and negative impacts of tapping energy from bagasse. The rationale behind
using this natural fibre can be attributed to its cost-effectiveness and tackling climate improvement, the
benefits to the environment and achieving the Renewable Energy Target. This assignment detailed the
impact of engineering work, where the pyrolysis of biomass, gasification and direct combustion is
explained. Bagasse is highly suitable for production of electricity as well as coal, but since one of them is
ought to be the best, further description has been given in line during this assignment. Besides, health
and safety issues relation to the installation and use of bagasse has been explained, including
engineering controlled measures. Crucial factors influencing bio energy potential is discussed and key
issues such as land controlled measures and impacts examined. Moreover, measures for assessing a
better environmental potential through the impacts are suggested in the concluding comments such as
the use of CO2 scrubbers.

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

TABLE OF TABLES

iii

TABLE OF FIGURES

iii

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1: OBJECTIVES
1.2: REPORT OUTLINE
1.3. PROJECT SCHEDULE
1.3.1. Gantt chart
CHAPTER 2. RATIONALE BEHIND THE USAGE OF BAGASSE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION
CHAPTER 3. ENERGY FROM BAGASSE IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT
3.1: DEFINING ENERGY SOURCE
3.2: INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION
3.3: COMPARING BAGASSE WITH PETROLEUM (USAGE OF ENERGY PRODUCTION) IN
MAURITIUS
3.4: FUEL OIL IN MAURITIUS
CHAPTER 4. FEASIBILITY OF BAGASSE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION IN MAURITIUS
4.1: FUEL CHARACTERISTICS
4.2: BAGASSE AS A BIOMASS
CHAPTER 5. BAGASSE CONTENT

CHAPTER 6. IMPACT OF ENERGY FROM BAGASSE ON THE SOCIETY

6.1. Net energy ratio (society)
6.2. Subsystems and assumptions
6.3. CO2 emissions (society)
6.4. Impacts of gasification on the society
6.5. Main environmental impacts
6.6 Use of fertilizers
6.7. Water irrigation (associated activities)
CHAPTER 7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
7.1 Construction- Both positive and negative aspects
7.1.1. Land acquisition
7.1.2. Air quality
7.1.3. Surface water
7.1.4 Solid waste
7.1.5. Socio-economic

1
2
3

10
13
14
15
16
17

19

20

7.2 Operation
7.2.1. Atmospheric pollution
7.2.2. Visual degradation
7.2.3. Water pollution
7.2.4. Fire risk
7.2.5. Transportation

CHAPTER 8. ENGINEERING WORK INVOLVING BAGASSE/NATURAL FIBERS

8.1. Pyrolysis of biomass
8.2. Gasification
8.3. Direct combustion
8.4. Fermentation
8.5.Anaerobic digestion
CHAPTER 9. HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF BAGASSE
9.1. Storage of bagasse
9.2. Spontaneous combustion
9.3. Fire hazards while handling bagasse
9.4. Causes of fire in bagasse
9.5. Bagassosis
9.6. Health measures to bagassosis prevention
9.7. Health surveillance
9.8. Importance of training
9.9. Engineering controlled measures
9.10. Health and safety while removing bagasse ash
9.11. Welfare of workers

21
22
23
24

25
26

27
28

29
30

CHAPTER 10. CRUCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING BIO ENERGY POTENTIAL

31

CHAPTER 11. DISCUSSION

33

CHAPTER 12. CONCLUSION

35

REFERENCES

36

ii

TABLE OF TABLES
CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

Table 1: Typical bagasse composition

Table 2: Assumptions of calorific values and environmental effects on survey from power
plants

10

Table 3:Net energy ratio defined as per source energy used

10

Table 4: Variation of parameters alongside electricity form used

13

Table 5: Eutrophication values as per as electrical form used

17

Table 6: Different types of irrigation systems and their change

17

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Gantt chart
Figure 2: Bagasse fibre remains after extraction
Figure 3: Energy flows for an efficient system described in electricity production
Figure 4: Stages of sugar cane till generation of electricity
Figure 5: Welding
Figure 6: Factory workers in India
Figure 7: Process of loss of phosphorus
Figure 8: Pivot irrigation system

3
5
8
10
14
15
16
18

iii

Figure 9: Drag irrigation system

Figure 10: Drip irrigation system

Figure 11: Gasifiers

18
18
23

iv

1. INTRODUCTION
Energy production, ingress and consumption are an integral part of financial development. After UN
declaring the year 2009 as the International year of natural fibre, industries are attempting to
decrease the use of synthetic and petroleum based materials due to the increased environmental
awareness. Eventually this leads to explore eco-friendly materials to replace the present (mostly
synthetic) ones. Today bagasse remains the central source of green renewable energy with a total of
17% and only 4.2% from other renewable sources (United Nations, 2009).
Bagasse is widely known for its fibrous characteristics. It is the biomass remaining after processing
sugarcane for extraction of sugar. About 30% by mass of bagasse is generated by sugar mills expressed
on total amount of cane crushed (Deepchand, 2005). Bagasse is burnt to produce steam and the later is
used for production of electricity for the needs of industry. The electricity produced in excess is then
sold to the electricity grid (K.Elahee, 2010). Bagasse is also used as an emerging attractive feedstock for
bioethanol production. For bioethanol production, the calorific value of bagasse plays a major role,
which is affected by its composition water content and calorific value of the Sugarcane crop i.e.
sucrose content (Salman Zafar, 2015). Bagasse has a net calorific value of about 8000kJ/kg at a
moisture content of 48%. In 2010, 1,406,371 tonnes of bagasse was used to generate 550.4GWh of
power. (J.Chummun, 2012) This statement validates that the use of bagasse for production of energy is
highly efficient and is thus important.
The assignment focuses on the energy production from bagasse (through comparisons with the energy
obtained from coal) and the impacts on society. Health and safety issues related to the installation and
use of bagasse and others are also discussed. An attempt has equally been made to try to streamline the
impacts in the Mauritian context. The points mentioned describe the importance of bagasse chosen

1.1. OBJECTIVES
The aim of this assignment is to harness the impact of production of energy from bagasse on the
society. The points addressed include,

1|Page

1. The impacts of using Bagasse as an energy source on the environment which is compared to
coal which is further detrimental.
2. The impact of engineering work which is related to bagasse and how it affects the
environment.
3. The benefits which are also brought by bagasse as a use of energy source.
4. The health and safety hazards related to the installation and use of bagasse.
5. The nature of pollution net energy ratio and CO2 emission to the environment.
6. Environmental impact assessment both positive and negative aspects.

1.2. REPORT OUTLINE

This section (section 1.0) of the assignment gives a brief overview of bagasse fibres for the production of
energy and also presents a general layout of the assignment. Section 1.1 defines the objectives of this
assignment, while section 1.3 is the project schedule which includes the gantt chart. Section 2 explains
the reasons behind using bagasse for energy production. In section 3, the application of bagasse fibres in
the local context is discussed. The feasibility of bagasse for energy production is outlined in section 4
with sub sections fuel characteristics and bagasse as a biomass. Section 5 provides information about
the bagasse content. The impact of energy from bagasse on the society is explained in section 6.
Sections 7 and 8 describe the environmental impact assessment and engineering works respectively. A
section fully detailed in health and safety issues related to the installation and use of bagasse is in part 9
of the assignment. Discussion is made in section 11, and ultimately concluding remarks are done in
section 12. Note that the assignment ends up with the list of references.

2|Page

1.3. PROJECT SCHEDULE

1.3.1. Gantt chart

Figure 1.0: Gantt chart

3|Page

2. RATIONALE BEHIND THE USAGE OF BAGASSE FOR ENERGY

PRODUCTION
Cogeneration of bagasse has been exhibited in sugarcane producing countries such as Brazil, India and
Mauritius. The results over years and years have been significantly attractive and energy projects carried
out were successful. (Salman Zafar, 2015)
Some of the main reasons for the use of bagasse for producing energy are briefly outlined below:
(biomass producer, nd). They are impacts to the environment but in this part of this document, the
positive impacts are listed as follows:

Renewable energy options are exploited and this sustainable development is promoted.

Profitability and competitiveness in industry is increased.

Cost-effectively and tackles climate improvement.

When burnt in quantity, sufficient heat energy is produced to supply needs of a typical sugar
mill, enough energy to be spared.

Compared to other sources of energy i.e. coal for example, bagasse is more beneficial to
the environment (discussed below in the contents).

It evacuates the requirement for transporting the bagasse away.

Additional power delivered can be sustained once again into the framework for a benefit.

Vitality from bagasse produces less nursery gas outflows than customary fossil-fuel era.

On the off chance that bagasse were left to decay, it would separate and discharge nursery
gasses, especially methane, which is 27 times a larger number of hazardous to the ozone
than carbon dioxide.

It assumes an essential part in offering Mauritius some assistance with achieving its
Renewable Energy Target.

4|Page

3. ENERGY FROM BAGASSE IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT

3.1: DEFINING ENERGY SOURCE
Bagasse is the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. The
dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane. (en.wikipedia.org)

Figure 2: Bagasse fibre remains after extraction (goinggreenstore, nd)

It has the good point of interest of being carbon impartial, implying that utilizing it as a fuel does notadd
to the creation of carbon dioxide and subsequently greenhouse effects. It is likewise promptly accessible
in plenitude during half of the year. Mauritius produces around 6 million tons of sugarcane consistently
(every year) and around 35% of this is left as bagasse in the wake after handing out. Coal utilized as a
part of Mauritius is foreign made from South-Africa or Mozambique and is usually low in sulfur content.
The fundamental issue connected with coal-fired generation is as to its carbon-dioxide emission.
(tradechakra, nd)

3.2: INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION

Bagasse is a strong waste item connected with sugar factories. Already, bagasse was smoldered as
method for strong waste transfer. Be that as it may, as the expense of fuel oil, normal gas, and power
have expanded, the meaning of bagasse has changed from decline to a fuel. Right now, most bagasse is
smoldered as a fuel, not as the incineration of refuse. In no less than one plant, bagasse is sent to an
adjoining synthetic creation plant for use in making furfural; the bagasse deposit is returned as fuel for
producing steam for both facilities. (Emission factor documentation, April 1993)

5|Page

3.3: COMPARING BAGASSE WITH PETROLEUM (USAGE OF ENERGY PRODUCTION) IN MAURITIUS

Mauritius is blessed with a rich biodiversity of indigenous plants, such as Coconut (Cocos Nucifera),
Vacoas (Pandanus Utilis and Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), amongst others. Mauritius, acting as
per UN Millennium Goal project, is set towards sustainable development with the "Maurice Ile Durable"
project - established in 2008. In fact, the little island aims at diversifying its economy using the plants
native to the island, and renewable resources. (Mrc.org.mu, n.d.)

Bagasse is mainly used in energy production. Bagasse is burnt for generation of steam in sugar cane
factories the high pressure steam obtained is used for prime movers and generation of power is
commonly known in Mauritius. (vcampus.uom, nd). The power segment in Mauritius has experienced
intense changes amid the most recent couple of years. The country has moved from a condition of
practically finish reliance on petroleum items for power era to another position whereby the greater
part of the power is produced from coal and bagasse. The sugar business has contributed colossal sums
to produce more power from bagasse amid yield season and from coal within off-season. (tradechakra,
nd)

Realization of system reliability is met when the generation capacity is able to adjust the need efficiently
at all times, even under conditions of scheduled maintenances and forced outages (Google.mu, 2015).
Sugar cane, representing over 85% of the cultivable land in Mauritius, is the one of the most productive
plant in terms of its regeneration properties that is from solar energy to chemical potential energy.
However, on the grounds to international crisis, the sugar industry is at cross-roads (Ramjeawon, 2015).
Fortunately, with the scope of breakthrough co-generation techniques, the sugar industries not only
produce the own electricity but also can produce additional electricity for sale to other electricity users
such as the national grid. So in one line, we could say that bagasse has already helped us a lot.

3.4: FUEL OIL IN MAURITIUS

Fuel oil is the principle wellspring of vitality utilized for power era as a part of Mauritius. The remaining
power is created utilizing coal and bagasse. Be that as it may, soon, the nation would enter a new era,
where the vast majority of the electrical vitality will be produced utilizing bagasse/coal. This change has
been conceivable because of huge speculation from the private divisi on which as of now accommodates
around 40% of the total electricity produced. (tradechakra, nd)

6|Page

4. FEASIBILITY OF BAGASSE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION IN MAURITIUS

4.1: FUEL CHARACTERISTICS
Bagasse is a fuel of differing structure, consistency, and warming worth. These attributes rely on upon
the climate, sort of soil whereupon the cane is developed, grown, yielding method, amount of cane
washing, and the effectiveness of the processing plant. When all is said to be done, bagasse has a
heating quality between 1,600 and 2,200 kcal/kg (3,000 and 4,000 Btu/lb) on a wet, as-let go premise.
Most bagasse has a humidity content somewhere around 45 and 55 percent by weight.. The sulfur and
nitrogen substance of bagasse are for the most part close or beneath 0.1 weight percent with burning
debris substance for the most part under 2 weight percent, as let go. Table 1 demonstrates a run of
bagasse structure for a typical power plant. (Emission factor documentation, April 1993)

4.2: BAGASSE AS A BIOMASS

Bagasse is mainly one of the two types of biomass produced by sugarcane. (Bagasse and Cane trash)
(biomassproducer, nd). Through the use of bio power, biomass is burnt to produce electricity. The first
reason for a high suitability is due to the prologue of high-efficiency gasification* combined-cycle
systems. * Biomass is heated to convert it into a gas. The gas is used directly in a gas turbine, which
drives a generator. The waste heat from the gas turbine is then used to drive a secondary steam
turbine, thus converting more of the fuel energy into electricity. (A green source of energy, October
2003). Cogeneration is used for burning the biomass and this achieves:
1. Lowers cost
2. Reduction of emission
3. High efficiency by usage of both power and surplus heat from biomass which is burnt.

Mauritius has been one of the first countries across the globe to implement the use of cane bagasse to
achieve cogeneration capacity. This has been part of the countrys Sugar Sector Strategic Plan (the
production of power from renewable assets, particularly bagasse.)

The pros are as follows:

1. Non-polluting fuel to the environment
2. Low-cost power production via cogeneration

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3. Sugar factories are capable of now harnessing the on-site bagasse supply to go
ahead of meeting their own energy necessities and generate surplus electricity for
trade to the national grid or directly to users.

Figure 3: Energy flows for an efficient system described in electricity production (Dr J Woods, PhD
Thesis, 2000)

8|Page

5. BAGASSE CONTENT
Bagasse consists mainly of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, pentosans, lignin, sugars, wax and minerals. The
fibre content in bagasse varies from 22 to 36 %.

Table 1: Typical bagasse composition (Emission factor documentation, April 1993)

Parameter

Weight %
Proximate Analysis

Moisture

58.7

Ash

0.8

Volatile Matter

35.8

Fixed Carbon

4.7

Ultimate Analysis
Carbon

19.2

Hydrogen

2.6

Sulfur

< 0.1

Ash

0.8

Oxygen (by difference)

77.1
Heating value
7620kJ/kg

The table above describes the composition of bagasse. Proximate analysis exhibits behavior on internal
mechanisms/properties of bagasse whereas ultimate analysis implies on the origin nature of the natural
fibre. (yahoo, nd)

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6. IMPACT OF ENERGY FROM BAGASSE ON THE SOCIETY

6.1. Net energy ratio (society)
This survey was performed in the production of 1 GWh of electricity from burning bagasse
(Ramjeawon, 2015).
The following flowchart below shows the stages of sugar cane plants till the generation of electricity.

Cane cultivation
and Harvest

Machine time
hours
Tractor fuel
consumption
Irrigation
Herbicides and
fertilizers
application
Cane harvest
Nutrient
leaching and
emissions

Cane burning

Transportations

Emissions

Cane transport
Fertilizer
transport

Sugar
processing and
electricity
generation

Fertilizer and
herbicides
manufacture

Herbicides
manufacture

Water
consumption

Fertilizers
manufacture

Wastes
generation

Herbicides
transport

Electricity
generation

Sugar transport

Figure 4: Stages of sugar cane till generation of electricity

6.2. Subsystems and assumptions

This table below shows the assumptions made before carrying the survey on the power plant.
Table 2: Assumptions of calorific values and environmental effects on survey from power plants

Subsystem

Cane cultivation and harvest

10 | P a g e

Assumptions

1 ha=75.8 t of cane=8.35 t of sugar

Cultivation area of 78,000 ha

Cultivation with a seven years plant cycle

315 mm3 of irrigation water

Electricity consumption of 216 kWh/ha for irrigation

N2O emissions from soil - 1.25% of nitrogen input NOx

emissions from soil - 0.5% of nitrogen input

138 kg N, 50 kg P2O5 and 175 kg K2O applied per ha

7.8 kg a.i of herbicides applied per ha 10% of nitrogen and 0.2%

of herbicides lost in water bodies

Cane burning

1 kg of phosphorus lost in surface runoffs per ha

2.3% of cane area burnt every year (i.e 1817 ha)

500 kg/ha of particulate matter emitted

Energy required to produce herbicides=190 MJ/kg

Fuel input in production of herbicides is 15% diesel, 70% coal

Inorganic fertilizer and herbicides

manufacture

and 15% electricity

Energy required to produce 1 kg of NPK fertilizer is 56.6 MJ

Fuel input in production of fertilizers is electricity, coal, diesel

and natural gas

Cane transportation over an average distance of 7 km and

diesel consumption of 0.075 l/t km

Transportation

Fertilizers and herbicides transport over an average distance of

20 km from harbour to eld

Sugar transport over an average distance of 60 km from factory

to storage in harbour area Dieselh37 MJ/l

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50 mm3 of water used for cane processing on the island

Pollutant loadings of 2.07 kg COD;

0.72 kg BOD5 and 1.37 kg TSS/t of cane 0.27 t of molasses/t of

sugar and 0.3 t of bagasse/t of cane produced as by-products

Sugar processing and electricity

generation

360 GWh of electricity exported to the grid, equivalent to 65

kWh/t of cane

500 kg of steam consumed/t of cane processed and electricity

consumption of

22.5 kWh/t of cane Bagasse ash production of 0.015 t/t of

bagasse
(Ramjeawon, 2015)

NOTE:
The net energy ratio may be defined as the electric energy received by the utility grid per amount of
fossil fuel energy provided within the system. (energy-reality.org, nd)

Results
Table 3: Net energy ratio defined as per source energy used

Fuels

Bagasse

Fossil fuels

Natural gas

Net Energy Ratio

13.0

0.3

0.4
(Ramjeawon, 2015)

It is found that the net energy ratio of bagasse is approximately 13. When compared to coal is
0.3 and to that of natural gas electricity is 0.4 (Ramjeawon, 2015).

That is for the same amount of electricity generated; much less fossil fuels are involved within
the system for bagasse compared to that of coal and natural gas.

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This makes bagasse a very reliable and renewable energy source but only to a certain extent
when 7% of its electricity is from fossil fuels indirectly through its fertilizers and production
process.

6.3. CO2 emissions (society)

Most of the carbon from bagasse is recycled through bio-ethanol, food grade CO2 and other
manufacturing processes. Therefore, the contribution of net CO2 gas emissions is due to the inputs of
fossil fuel only through the agricultural and transportation processes.
For a better estimation of the net savings in the emissions of CO2 gas in the bagasse-based electricity
production in Mauritius, four components are taken into account:

The emissions due to fossil utilization in the production of sugar cane and in sugar manufacture,

The methane emissions from sugar cane burning and the N2O emissions from the soil,

The avoided emissions due to bagasse substituting for fuel oil (or coal) in sugar manufacture

The emissions avoided due to the export of electricity, substituting for fuel oil.

The table shown below represents the gaseous emissions from oil, coal and bagasse, producing 1GWh of
electricity under the African conditions.
Table 4: Variation of parameters alongside electricity form used
ELECTRICITY FORM
Parameter

Oil

Coal

Bagasse

Greenhouse, kg CO2 eq

898,000

1,030,000

35,600

Human toxicity, HC

15,600

8290

449

Acidification, kg AP

10,700

6110

356

Summer Smog, kg POCP

920

81

23.8

Non-renewable energy

12,400,000

12,000,000

261,000
(Ramjeawon, 2015)

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Comparing bagasse-based electricity to oil-based electricity, the former provides a total saving of 900 t
of CO2 (eq)/GWh and 10 t of SO2 (eq)/GWh.
The use of bagasse substituting for oil as fuels results in about 310,000 t CO2 which equivalent to about
15%-18% of the entire CO2 emissions from fossil fuels on the island.
From the statistics described in the table above, it can be deduced that from all the parameters, the
most favorable source for production of electricity is bagasse. The only drawback amongst is the cause
of eutrophication and this is due to the use of fertilizers and is explained in the next section.

6.4. Impacts of gasification on the society

When biomass is gasified it can be used as a fuel rather than fossil fuels for power generation. This helps
in using locally available resources and this increases employability in the local context. This also aids in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In remote villages, electricity can be made available and smoky kerosene lamps can be replaced. Electric
power can be provided for newly setup businesses and existing ones can extend their working hours
with better quality light.
The producer gas can be used in rural areas for temperature control activities.

Electricity provided to
small welding businesses
through gasification.
Figure 5: Welding (ashden.org, nd.)

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The left over ash in the

gasification process is used for
making incense stick

Figure 6: Factory workers in India (ashden.org, nd.)

6.5. Main environmental impacts

The heating value of bagasse varies between 7-9 MJ/Kg. During the combustion of bagasse gases like
CO2, CO, TSP, SOx and NOx are emitted. These gases are considered to be highly hazardous as they have
adverse effects on both human and the environment.
Due to low level of sulfur and nitrogen associated with bagasse, the emission of SO2 and NOX are lesser
than conventional fossil fuels. However the emission of these gases can increase if the moisture content
of bagasse is high, as high moisture content favors combustion process.
Basically the emission of CO2 does not contribute to global warming. This is because the production of
CO2 during the combustion process of bagasse is part of the natural carbon. But if the bagasse is
incompletely burnt, CO is produce and this has negative impacts on the environment. Incomplete
combustion is due to high moisture content (50%) and the dense arrangement of bagasse. One way to
prevent incomplete combustion is to dry the bagasse before burning. (A. S. Energy Environment, 2006)
The impacts discussed above happen when bagasse is used for electricity generation. However the
impact is even detrimental when bagasse is produced. The main categories of impacts are:

Fossil fuel usage

Respiratory inorganics

Eutrophication

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Climate change

6.6 Use of fertilizers

(Anon, 2015)
Figure 7: Process of loss of phosphorus
A better systematic way of irrigation will efficiently lead to a more justified use of water irrigations in the
future.
Over the past four decades, the use of fertilizers in the sugar industry has greatly increased.
Under the South African conditions the aerial parts of an adequately fertilized 12 month-old rain fed
plant cane crop contained 168kg of N, 18kg of P and 214 kg of K /ha. An irrigated plant cane crop of
similar age and variety removed 276 kg N, 29kg P and 790kg K /ha. (Wood, 1990)
As it can be seen the sugar cane plants rapidly deplete the nutrients from the soil, notably N and K.
This extract was taken from a test carried: (T Mardamootoo, 2015)
The test revealed that the agronomic threshold range of 80 to 100 mg P kg-1 overlays the environmental
critical range of 85 to 95 mg P kg-1. These demonstrate that the soils which are agronomically suitable
for sugarcane cultivation in Mauritius are unsafe from the freshwater viewpoint. 52%, implying 32, 000
ha of the sugarcane lands of the island consisted of excessive P after soil testing was carried out. This
can damage the quality of the existing freshwater and eventually the biodiversity of those resources if
no corrective actions are taken. (T Mardamootoo, 2015)

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Table 5: Eutrophication values as per as electrical form used

Electricity from

Eutrophication, kg NP

Oil

Coal

bagasse

270

392

442

Unfortunately bagasse comes from a green renewable source. Thus, it requires some fertilizers and
water, which gradually leads to eutrophication.

6.7. Water irrigation (associated activities)

From the reports of the Water Resources Unit (WRU), it was found that 50% of the total exploited water
resources go to agricultural purpose in Mauritius. And 80-90 % goes to the sugarcane cultivation and
production.
Some sources of water irrigation include freshwater bodies and underground water. 30 000-40 000 m3
per day of treated urban waste-water at St Martin are diluted with river water in the ratio of 1 to 1 to
meet irrigation requirements and is used mainly for medium sugar cane planters.
Statiscally speaking, 1999 was considered to be the driest year and 2006 also. Water shortage is
incrementing day by day, so the government envisages priority on drinking water supply rather than on
irrigation purposes. This sequentially affects the agricultural sector.
Table 6: Different types of irrigation systems and their change

IRRIGATION

1996

2005

SYATEM

(Ha.)

Ha.)

High pressure gun

6 350

4 500

-29%

Surface irrigation

1 600

780

-51%

5 950

10 500

+76%

Pivot, Drag line,

Drip
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% change

Total

13 900

16 300

+17%

(Anon, 2015)
It can be therefore deduced that the increase in the pivot, drag line, and drip techniques seem to be
the most appropriate to ensure proper water usage and for maximum water delivery to the plants.

Figure 8: Pivot irrigation system

Figure 9: Drag irrigation system

Figure 10: Drip irrigation system

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7. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1 Construction- Both positive and negative aspects

7.1.1. Land acquisition

For the setting up of the plant, land has to be acquired. Normally agricultural lands are acquired for
the setup, usually far from habitation, having no general impact on society but affecting wild life
significantly. This would cause the animals to shift from their normal habitat. Impact of land
acquisition is low if the land is found far from natural forest or the land used were once sugarcane
plantation type of lands.

7.1.2. Air quality

Dust emission during land preparation as well as emissions from vehicles and machinery. Dust
emitted is usually non toxic. However, dampening may be required to prevent risk of dust
entrainment in ambient air. During dry period, dust control measures may have to be used since a
rise in dust emission together with exhaust emissions can result in marginal increases of sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons.

7.1.3. Surface water

Pollution can be of organic types (organic discharge by workers on the site) as well as non-organic
types arising by washing of machinery or fuel spills. Septic tanks are therefore required to be built
and special measure need to be taken to prevent pollution by spills (e.g. chemical treatment)

7.1.4 Solid waste

During construction periods a lot of solid waste can be left behind (tyres, metals, drums, medical
wastes, miscellaneous). Wastes should not be used as land-fill, hence be collected carefully and
disposed properly and recycling to occur as far as possible for conservation of the environment.

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7.1.5. Socio-economic
During period of harvest, a lot of workers will be hired, hence providing local employment
opportunities.

7.2 Operation
7.2.1. Atmospheric pollution
Atmospheric pollution is on different levels depending whether it is crop season or not. When the
plant operates on coal, it releases greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Ever during
crop season, carbon dioxide gas is released; however, it is also argued that the sugar cane plant
absorbs a considerable amount of carbon dioxide that is given off during the whole process of
harvesting the crop, transporting it to the plant and the burning of the bagasse.
Carbon monoxide emissions contribute to global warming, such that 1 gram of CO is considered to
harm the same harmful effect as that of CO2. This gas also poses health risks affecting the nervous
system, the circulatory system in the human body as well as the respiratory system.
Release of oxides of nitrogen contributes to greenhouse effect, acid rain and eutrophication as
described before in the previous chapter 6.6.

7.2.2. Visual degradation

As particulate matter accumulates in the atmosphere, the particles scatter and absorb light thus
obscuring views. This is due to dark high optical density flue gases. In addition, this also cause harms
and illness to the eyes over time.

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7.2.3. Water pollution

Liquid effluents from boiler water demineralization unit (resin wash water) as well as oily and dust
contaminated water from the plant are rejected into the environment. Also there is the possible
pollution by wastes such as used lube oil sludge from the plant

7.2.4. Fire risk

There is a great fire risk in the coal storage unit. A fire would result in injury for workers on site as
well cause a great amount of pollution this is further explained in chapter 9 - health and safety
related to the use and installation of bagasse.

7.2.5. Transportation
Increase in traffic due to greater number of lorries being used to transport coal/sugarcane to the
plant. It also increases noise and air pollution. In addition, fuel is used to power the lorry which
makes another environmental negative effect by release of harmful gases.

8. ENGINEERING WORK INVOLVING BAGASSE/NATURAL FIBERS

Bagasse is combusted in big boilers and follows a series of thermodynamic processes to produce steam.
The steam is in turn used to drive turbines to produce electricity. Bagasse is also used for the production
of the increasingly demanding bioethanol.
Bagasse is used as a fuel in many engineering tasks like power generation. The calorific value of bagasse
determines its usage as a fuel. The calorific value depends on the moisture content. The higher the
moisture content, the lower is the calorific value. Most mills produce bagasse with a moisture content of
48%. And most boilers are designed to burn bagasse with 50% moisture.
Normally, 30 tons of bagasse is produced for every 100 tons of sugarcane crushed. Primarily, bagasse is
used as a fuel source in sugar mill to produce enough heat and electrical energy to satisfy the need of
the sugar mill. The resulting CO2 emissions are equal to the amount of CO2 that the sugarcane palnt
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absorb from the atmosphere during its growing phase, which makes the process of cogeneration
greenhouse gas-neutral. (Salman Zafar, 2015)
In many countries including Mauritius, bagasse is used as a biomass for ethanol production.

8.1. Pyrolysis of biomass

This is the thermal decomposition of organic matters without oxygen occurring at low temperatures.
This process converts biomass to hydrocarbon rich gas mixture and a carbon rich solid residue. The main
products of pyrolysis depend on heating rate, particle size, temperature and catalyst used. The major
products include CO, CO2, CH4 and H2.
Biomass charcoal + Volatile matter

8.2.Gasification
It is the conversion of biomass into gaseous fuels. This is achieved by the oxidation of the biomass at
high temperatures. This process allows the production of methanol and hydrogen, each of which can be
used as a fuel in the near future. (Some details about the impacts of gasification on the society have
been discussed in section 6.4.)
Gasification normally occurs in gasifiers. This takes place in four stages:

Drying: Water vapour is extracted from the biomass

Pyrolysis: When a high temperature is applied to the dry biomass, it decomposes into organic
vapours, gases, carbon and tars.

Reduction: A series of gases reaction occurs in this process. Hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide
is produced when water vapour reacts with carbon. Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon
dioxide reacts with carbon.

Combustion: The carbon and tars that is produced during pyrolysis reacts with oxygen to produce
heat and carbon dioxide. The heat is used further in the gasification stages.

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Figure 11: Gasifiers (ashden.org, nd.)

Updraft gasifier: The gas produced in this gasifier is too dirty to use in internal combustion engine as it is
contaminated by tar.
Downdraft gasifier: The main reactions occur at the throat where carbon monoxide and hydrogen is
produced by the breakdown of tar and volatile gases. This type of gasifier produces cleaner air.
The power output of the gasifiers ranges from 10 kW to 1000 kW.

8.3. Direct combustion

In this process biomass is burnt directly, without any chemical treatment from waste-to-energy to
produce steam, which in turns is used for power generation. Engineers claim that direct combustion is a
promising method in the foreseeable future. Biomass can also be burned for the production of heat for
homes and industries.

8.4. Fermentation
It is the process whereby ethanol is produced. There are two most commonly used methods to produce
ethanol. One way is to ferment the starch in the plant using yeast and the other way is to use enzymes
to break down the cellulose in the plants fibers.
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8.5.Anaerobic digestion
This is the conversion of organic matter to biogas. Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. In
this process, biomass is converted by bacteria in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic digestion is widely
used for treating wet organic wastes. The biogas produced can be upgraded to natural gas and use it in
grids.

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9. Health and safety issues related to the installation and use of

bagasse

The health and safety are essential for the good unwinding of the company. Due to health and
safety issues, the plant must be operated within the limits of the environmental standards and
guidelines and it must be in line with international standards.
For the safety of the workers, regular maintenance programmes must be performed to reduce
dust nuisance, smoke nuisance, odour nuisance and noise nuisance.

9.1. Storage of bagasse

Bagasse has the disadvantage of a high moisture content of about 50%. This decreases its fuel
value and is likely to decompose on storage.
The main problems in storing bagasse include:

Loss of fuel value due to microbial activities

Spontaneous combustion

Environmental impacts

Health issues associated with bagassosis

If bagasse were left to decompose, it would break down and release greenhouse gases such as
methane which is more dangerous to the ozone than carbon dioxide. So bagasse needs to be
suitably stocked in order not to rot or spontaneously combust. (Purchase BS et al., 2013)
An improvement in storing bagasse is that it is stocked in piles. This lead to advantages like
a) Economise space
b) Reduce fire risk
c) Prevent deterioration

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Even though information is lacking, the risk of severe loss during storage is obvious. In the
situation of overall efficiency in the conversion of biomass to electricity, the storage phase is
significant because it can most likely affect energy recovery by as much as 25%.

9.2. Spontaneous combustion

Large piles of bagasse are susceptible to self-heating leading to spontaneous combustion. Care
must be taken while bailing bagasse. The monitoring of the temperature in bagasse pile is
important so as to get an indication of the heat liberated by an exothermic reaction through
bacterial action. This will help to predict any outbreak of fire through spontaneous combustion.
(Dhurman Krist, 1991)

9.3. Fire hazards while handling bagasse

Any business leading to success must preserve the constancy of its production. Facilities must
be planned not only for the progressing production but to prevent destructive effect like fire or
even explosion.
Cellulose is the main chemical composition of bagasse consisting about 50% and is a highly
inflammable material. Thus precautions have to be taken to forecast and control any explosion.
The result leading to fire from bagasse is the destruction of the factory itself or cost the lives of
the workers. (Dhurman Krist, 1991)

9.4. Causes of fire in bagasse

Smoking: a potential cause of fire in sugar mills is smoking. Workers tend to throw
their lighted cigarette everywhere and due to bagasse combustible nature, it can easily
spread fire rapidly.

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Hot surface: conduction of heat from boilers, furnaces and pipelines can cause ignition
and setup a fire.

Mechanical sparks: sparks from drilling and grinding operations can set fire to bagasse
fibres.

Bagasse can also catch fire by cause of electrical motors or wiring if any defects or short circuits
are noted.

9.5. Bagassosis
This is a respiratory disease while handling bagasse due to the inhalation of dried bagasse dust.
It occurs mostly when bagasse are baled in a warm moist state.
The symptoms of bagassosis

Cough

Chest pain

Weakness

Loss of weight

9.6. Health measures to bagassosis prevention

To prevent bagassosis problem an effective dust control must be performed and also to
eliminate bacteria from the fibre material. Moreover workers should be provided with
respiratory masks and wearing them when working with stored bagasse.

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9.7. Health surveillance

Regular health surveillance must be carried out on staffs exposed to dust while handling
bagasse. The process must begin at the time of employment and continues at regular intervals
considering the health hazard, level of exposure and health status of the workers.

9.8. Importance of training

The boiler is the centre of each sugar mill, and the loss of steam is a serious issue in the efficient
operation of the company. Yearly inspections throughout the off crop show up imperfection in
the physical and control aspects of the steam generation plant. Rectification of the shortcoming
could be by improving the equipment or particular maintenance.
When advanced technology is applied, the basics are often forgotten. Boiler operation is not a
secure work, and there are rising numbers of failures caused by trusting digital systems and
neglecting the basics. For that reason, boiler operators and maintenance personnel know the
process of boiler operation and the outcome of their actions. Thus training gives staff the
opportunity to gain knowledge from preceding mistakes without incurring the cost penalties of
repeating them.
Even though a large amount of money is invested in the improvement of electrical and
mechanical systems, the most vital factor is the human one. Operators need to be trained to be
familiar with the signals exhibited by faulty equipment, and must be aware of what action to
take. (H VERBANCK, K MCINTYRE and Q ENGELBRECHT, 2003)

9.9. Engineering controlled measures

The key purpose of engineering control measures is to plan safe building equipment and
method to eliminate causes of fire and explosions. (Dhurman Krist, 1991)

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a) Fencing- the area where bagasse is handled and stored must be well fenced to prevent
intruders from getting access and to prevent any malicious act
b) Intermittent spray system- this system controls the temperature in bagasse piles
minimising the risk of spontaneous ignition. Water is sprayed all over the piles when the
temperature reaches a critical value. But it contributes to bagasse decaying due to the
presence of water.
c) Ventilation- both natural and artificial system are important depending where bagasse
is stored. For the reason that the workers do not suffocate and also for their safety.
d) Fire fighting equipment- different places in the same section where bagasse is stored
must contain appropriate fire fighting equipments just in case of any outbreak of fire.

9.10. Health and safety while removing bagasse ash

During the production of energy, huge amount of bagasse is being burnt and the residue of the
bagasse socalled bagasse ash must be removed on a weekly basis to maintain the continuous
production of energy. This process is carried out manually in some factories and in some with
sophisticated machines. It is regarded as the most dangerous operation by the workers.
It consists of cooling down the ash with the help of hoses and by means of spades and forks
they are removed. The workers must wear wet clothes on them when performing this
operation since they are exposed to temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 oc. (Dhurman Krist,
1991)

9.11. Welfare of workers

1) Provision of toilet and shower facilities
2) Source of potable and drinking water
3) Adequate protective clothing to withhold heat
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4) Regular medical check up

5) Limited hours of work weekly
6) Established a smoking zone
(Dhurman Krist, 1991)

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10. CRUCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING BIO ENERGY POTENTIAL

Although the varieties of mechanical possibilities for green energy from crop growing are imposing, the
optimal biomass-energy potentials for any chosen country is determined by numerous key issues, where
they are overviewed below. (Emission factor documentation, April 1993)
Key issues include:

The ease of use of land for energy crops manufacture (as against for food crops production) and
other competing land uses.

Different methods of land use possibilities for degraded land, like protected and recreational
areas, carbon confiscation, or for example the usage of nitrogen fixing crops.

Yielding levels of energy crops, as characterized due to physical factors

1. Climate
2. Water availability
3. Soil quality
4. As well as socio-economic factors; primarily the costs of labor and land.

The accessible technology for energy crop production, treatment and transport and alteration to
energy. Technology is a main concern as it impacts energy expenses as well as being vital to
make certain, the most favorable carbon/energy balances, and also to lessen local emissions (air
quality issues).

Biomass manufacture improvements could likely improve biomass yield (plant genetic
and breeding technology), as fit to reduce manufacture costs and progress
environmental quality.

Biomass handling issues:

Handling systems can report for a great percentage of the capital deal and in use costs
of a bioenergy conversion competence. The handling necessities vary according to the
kind of biomass to be practiced. It also includes the feedstock preparation necessities of
the alteration technology.

Biomass collection logistics and infrastructure:

1. Harvesting biomass crops
2. The collection of residues
3. Storage and transportation

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These are critical elements to be taken into account in a biomass resource supply chain.

The cost of biomass crops as aligned with other crops (farmers participation relies on financial
aspects: profitability is a key choice criterion), as well as the decisive manufacture cost of the
renewable energy which regulates its competitiveness with fossil fuels.

Policy and regulatory surroundings, and the degree at which it is conducive to the progress of
renewable energy circumstances.

The significance of these key problems will turn out to be all the more logical by turning out awareness
to sugarcane biomass, the leading biomass source in Mauritius (covering more than 80 percent of its
arable land). (Emission factor documentation, April 1993)

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11. DISCUSSION
Based on the comments made by several authors, the following general analysis has been made.
As it is seen in this research work, till now bagasse has already offered Mauritius a successful approach
towards the green society. The numerous clear-cut impacts of bagasse make it suitable to be used in
multiple of ways to meet our necessary requirements. However, despite being the primary green energy
in Mauritius, it contributes to only a small extent of about 16-18% of the total electricity generated.
Researchers have been trying to increase the level of the fibrous content for generation of power and in
line such that our sugarcane plants are more reliable and efficient. More energy will be released
producing more electricity. However, the choice will then be between sugarcane with more fibre and
sugarcane with more sugar content. Of course this will have an impact on the socio-economic
development. (mrc.org.mu, 2016)
While other sections (social factors) such as cutting labour, transportation labour, milling factories are
already developed, there are some sections such as the above mentioned, biotechnology still imparts
some employability. Hence, this offers the potential individuals an opportunity to explore and apply the
theory.
The impacts related to bagasse are eutrophication, climate change and respiratory inorganics. The
impacts are due to fly ash emissions from the boiler. A solution to this problem would be to equip the
plant with fly ash removal systems. Besides, fertilizers and pesticides should be effectively used.
Electricity produced from bagasse offer eco-friendly benefits for human toxicity, acidification, and nonrenewable energy input and greenhouse gas emissions). On the other hand, it does not stipulate
environmental benefits for freshwater consumption and eutrophication.
The environmental impact assessment shows that only a few problems arises during the construction
and operational period, notably air pollution and water pollution being the most important ones.
However, we do also notice the creation of employment during and after the construction phase namely
for the running of the plant exploiting bagasse as an energy source as well as in the cultivation of
sugarcane plant, from which the bagasse is extracted. As such, the process of harnessing energy from
bagasse isnt as harmful compared to other fuels used in plants. The environmental impact triggered by
the manufacture of bagasse through sugar cane cultivation is almost five times more than that of
electricity production in the power plant itself. (T Ramjeawon, 2007)

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Flue gases are also treated by a series of chemical processes and scrubbers. Fly ash from bagasse
combustion are usually used as fertilizers in the sugarcane fields itself, hence reducing amount of
chemical fertilizers used and reducing the risk of water pollution and eutrophication by the chemicals.
Flue-desulfurization eliminates oxides of sulphur from the exhaust gas while oxides of nitrogen are
reduced by altering the combustion process.
Another point to consider is fire risk due to storage of coal in the plant. To reduce this risk, the storage
needs to be done in a secluded place from the plant and coal sent to the boilers by conveyor belts only.
Also the storage area should be strictly regulated and no flammable objects or objects which may cause
sparks leading to fire should be handled in that space.

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12. CONCLUSION
This assignment has thrown light onto the benefits and impacts of using bagasse as a source of energy
production (and coal). Most, specifically the impacts on both socio and environmental sides have been
analyzed. Mauritius must branch out its energy supplies beyond dependence on petroleum. The use of
coal is encouraged by companies since it is cheap and is readily accessible anytime during the year.
Contrarily, bagasse is available only during crop-harvest season of sugarcane. Mauritius should evade
any jeopardy of locking itself into a never-ending coal energy prospect. We must keep its options open
for other cleaner, less costly energy source (fuel) of the future. Without coal, bagasse power plants
would be unprofitable, and without bagasse as a mitigating factor, the higher level of environmental
damage caused by coal power plants would have been unacceptable. (Felix Ah-Kee, 2013). Sugarcane

is considered to have high bioconversion efficiency due to its high ability of capturing sunlight
to fix atmospheric carbon into biomass. The biomass is considered to be a major renewable
energy in countries producing sugarcane like Mauritius. The usage of bagasse as a fuel and form of
energy result in sustainable production and power generation which in turns can solve the essential
issues of environmental pollution, energy crisis, wasteland development, power transmission losses and
rural employment generation. From the research carried out, it has been found that the positive impacts
outnumber the negative impact. Bagasse is a non-polluting fuel if it is completely burnt to produce CO2
which forms part of the natural carbon cycle. However safety measures should be taken in consideration
when using bagasse in plants and alternative policies should be implemented to counter drawbacks,
which side-effects the environment. Thus, bagasse is a renewable, elegantly available carbon neutral
fuel and can greatly increase employability in the thermal industry. This is because bagasse can reduce
the dependency on other fuel which needs to be imported from other countries and this is costly but
has proven to be very positive for the environment.
However, the government should definitely consider reviewing the percentage use of coal for
production of electricity such that an appropriate balance is made between the generated profits and
the level of damage to the environment to be minimized. Concerning the Gas Carbo (leading food
grade gas supplier) project at Omnicane, again, the government should review the amount of CO2
released in air by other powerplants so as to reduce the emission of CO2 in the atmosphere which would
eventually lessen the contribution to global warming. More CO2 scrubbers should be used such that the
exhaust gases are treated before release to the atmosphere.

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