Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Coconut shells, groundnut. shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification. 2. The combustible gases generated from: biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. 3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not ixi. internal combustion engines. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. Statement 1 is correct. Biomass gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil fuel based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A wide variety of biomass materials, including agricultural residues like coconut shells, groundnut shells, and rice husk, can serve as feedstock for this process. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary combustible gases generated from biomass gasification (often called producer gas or syngas) are hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). While carbon dioxide (CO2) is also produced, it is not combustible. Other gases like methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2, if air is used) are also typically present. Therefore, the gas is not composed *only* of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The combustible gases (syngas) produced can be used for direct heat generation by burning them. Additionally, after appropriate cleaning and cooling, this gas can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines (ICEs) or gas turbines for electricity generation. Thus, it is not limited to only direct heat generation. 4. Since only statement 1 is correct, option (A) is the correct answer.