Estimation of pine needle availability in the Central Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India for use as energy feedstock

Results of an attempt to estimate the availability of pine needles (pinus roxburghii) in the state of Uttarakhand, India that can be used as energy feedstock have been presented. Three somewhat different approaches have been used to estimate the gross annual availability of pine needles in the state. By taking into account several different factors that are expected to reduce the availability of pine needles for their use as energy feedstock; the likely net availability of the same has been estimated. The gross annual availability of pine needle is found to vary from 1.37 to 2.37 million tons in the three approaches. The annual availability of pine needles for energy applications is estimated to be in the range of 0.96-1.66 million tons. The annual primary energy potential of pine needles available as energy feedstock in the state has also been estimated. Annual energy delivery potential of pine needles likely to be available has also been estimated in terms of thermal and electrical energy generation.