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Energy generation and its use affect the surrounding environment. About sixty five percent of the energy comprises of global anthropogenic green house gas emissions which are renewable. Reduction of this emission must necessarily begin with action targeted shift of energy sources that are renewable. Out of the various sources of renewable energy biomass and specifically agro-biomass has a lot of potential as it can be utilized in the existing energy conversion systems with minor modification. Biomass can be utilized in energy conversion system by co-firing in a modern coal fired power plant with biomass content up to 10% by weight. The combustion efficiency of biomass feedstock can be about 10% lower than that for coal. Biomass can also be combusted in a dedicated power and combined-heat and power (CHP) plant that is typically smaller in size and of lower efficiency of up to 35%. In cogeneration mode the efficiency may go up to 90%.

Automotive power packs have been the focus of research over a long period of time. Among various power packs when we consider internal combustion engines, there is an ample opportunity in developing systems that can make optimal utilization of all the energy streams related to the automotive engine. In this regard utilization of internal combustion engine exhaust waste heat and environmental pollution have been the focus of research in the recent past. About 35% of the automotive input fuel energy is converted to useful crankshaft work and about 30% energy is expelled with exhaust. This leaves about one-third (35%) of the total energy that must be transmitted from the enclosed cylinder through the cylinder walls and head to the surrounding. The exhausted energy from engine results in entropy elevation and solemn environmental pollution. So it is desired to utilize waste heat to the extent possible.