The word that pops up in mind when we hear the words fossil fuels is ‘non-renewable’. Coal, crude oil and natural gas are all fossil fuels and are used to produce diesel, gasoline, and kerosene. Fossils fuels formed millions of years ago from the remains of organic matter from dead animals and plants.

As fossil fuel resources are finite and are among the biggest contributors to climate change, it is critical that we meet our energy needs from renewable resources. India’s renewable energy resource potential is significant, with solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower representing the technologies having the largest potential. Among all, biomass warrants special attention. All the living matter present on earth derived from growing plants including algae, trees, and crops or from animal manure is called biomass.