The energy crisis in Pakistan: A possible solution via biomass-based waste

Developing countries like Pakistan need a continuous supply of clean and cheap energy. It is a very common fear in today's world that the fossil fuels will be depleted soon and the cost of energy is increasing day-by-day. Renewable energy sources and technologies have the potential to provide solutions to long-standing energy problems faced by developing countries. Currently, Pakistan is experiencing a critical energy crisis and renewable energy resources can be the best alternatives for quickly terminating the need for fossil fuels. The renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass energy combined with fuel cell technology can be used to overcome the energy shortage in Pakistan. Biomass is a promising renewable energy source and is gaining more interest because it produces a similar type of fuel like crude oil and natural gas. Energy from biomass only depends upon the availability of raw materials; therefore, biomass can play an important role to fulfill the energy requirements of the modern age. The use of energy has increased greatly since the last century and almost all human activities have become more dependent on energy. Biomass, being a potential and indigenous candidate, could be a good solution to meet the energy needs of Pakistan. In this review paper, the detailed current energy requirements and solutions from available energy resources and the scope, potential, and implementation of biomass conversion to energy in Pakistan are explored with a special focus on the major province of Punjab and the advantages of biomass for energy purposes.