The fossil fuels contribute 80% to world total energy demand,
whereas biomass resources cover only 10–15% [1]. India has an
immense opportunity for energy generation from the available 500
metric tons of biomass per year. The rural areas of India depend on
conventional biomasses such as firewood, animal dung, agricultural
residue and forest products for cooking, heating, lighting and other
related applications. It is also observed that the biomass energy technology
may contribute to one-third of the total energy consumption
in India