Conclusions

Bioenergy has the potential to meet the household energy demand through decentralized electricity generation and adoption of improved BETs in Uttara Kannada district,. The supply/demand ratio of bioresources in the district ranges from less than 0.5 (Bioresource deficit) to more than 2. The coastal and the extreme eastern part of the district (coastal villages of Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar and Bhatkal with eastern part of Mundgod and Haliyal) are fuel wood deficit places. The bioresource supply is dwindling in the district evident from the reduced bioresource supply to demand ratio from 8-9 to 2 from 2000 to 2013. This necessitates sustainable management approaches with augmentation of forest resources.

In coastal regions (Kumta, Honnavar, Ankola, Bhatkal, Karwar), availability of agro-horticultural residues is more than the current demand which has the potential to meet the rural household energy demand. Similarly in Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur taluks, forest biomass potential could meet the domestic energy demand.  In Mundgod, Haliyal and in coastal villages, availability of animal residues provides the scope for biogas production. About 40% of the villages have adequate biogas potential to meet the domestic needs. These villages are to be considered for dissemination of biogas technology in the district. Biogas can also be used for electricity generation and the byproduct, i.e. slurry is used for organic manure production which is a very good fertilizer. Advanced BETs will encourage the bioenergy use and make the application simpler and efficient. Improved cook stoves, biomass gasification and other new bioenergy technologies are yet to be available in rural areas which could change the older energy conversion pattern with higher efficiency. BETs are technically feasible economically viable and environmental friendly apart from ensuring sustenance of resources.