Sustainability aspects of biomass gasification systems for small power generation

A review of the aspects related to the sustainability of the biomass gasification and the use of syngas from biomass for small scale power generation is presented, taking as a frame of reference the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the UN. Initially, the most relevant aspects of the SDGs related to the energy transition and the energy trilemma are presented, as well as different considerations on the sustainability of bioenergy from biomass. The aspects related to the sustainability of the gasification processes are also presented, dividing them into different categories to find the most important restrictions for gasification processes under the framework of sustainability. Aspects such as the availability of land, the development of policies that promote the use of bioenergy, and the effects of syngas on the power and efficiency of combustion engines have been found to be the most relevant when reviewing the sustainability of biomass as a resource for small-scale power generation. It is found that the complexity of the relationship between bioenergy and sustainability requires the elaboration of detailed studies in the different aspects to find the most appropriate configurations and features to bring these energy solutions mostly to rural areas of developing countries.