India’s Push Towards Sustainable Power Generation

At the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, India takes a significant step towards a greener future with the revised Biomass Policy. In a recent announcement by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, it was revealed that Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) across the country will now be mandated to incorporate 5% biomass co-firing starting from the financial year 2024-25. This percentage is set to increase to 7% by the following fiscal year, marking a substantial shift towards cleaner energy production.

The move comes as part of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the use of biomass pellets in TPPs. With 47 Thermal Power Plants already engaging in co-firing agro residue-based biomass pellets with coal, the Ministry of Power’s decision to modify the biomass policy underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.

To facilitate the procurement and availability of biomass pellets, several measures have been put in place. Financial assistance schemes by MNRE and CPCB, RBI’s approval of biomass pellet manufacturing as a priority sector lending activity, and the creation of a Procurement Provision of Biomass Category on the GeM portal are just a few examples of the proactive steps taken by the government.

Moreover, a policy Addendum issued by the Ministry of Power has identified various agro residues that can be utilized for biomass pellet production. From stubble and straw to husk and shells of crops like Paddy, Soya, and Cotton, a wide range of agricultural by-products are being repurposed for energy generation. Additionally, horticulture waste and other biomass sources such as Bamboo, Elephant Grass, and Sarkanda are being explored for their co-firing potential in TPPs.

The impact of these initiatives is already evident, with over 1,64,976 Metric Tonnes of agri residue-based biomass successfully co-fired in coal-based thermal power plants by May 2023. This transition towards sustainable energy practices not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes the efficient utilization of agricultural waste.

As India paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, the State-wise list of thermal power plants embracing biomass co-firing serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and renewable energy adoption.