June 14, 2025

🇮🇳 Biomass Co-firing in the Indian Power Sector: Key Challenges & the Way Forward 🔥🌱

🧾 Summary with Detailed Description:

Biomass co-firing—blending biomass pellets with coal in thermal power plants—is a vital step in India’s low-carbon energy transition. Initiated by NTPC in 2017, it aims to reduce carbon emissions and tackle stubble burning pollution. Despite progress, several persistent challenges hinder sustainable large-scale adoption:

Supply Chain Gaps: Seasonal biomass availability, poor raw material verification, fragmented small-scale vendors, and limited bankable projects.
Pellet Quality Issues: Low durability, dust generation, poor density, and presence of harmful binders like press mud.
Storage & Handling Hazards: Sheds lack waterproofing, cause pellet damage and pose fire risks.
Outdated SOPs: Existing operating protocols limit automatic controls and reduce mill efficiency.
Economic Disincentives: GENCOs incur efficiency losses and higher operating costs without proper compensation or carbon credits.

💡 Resolution Plans:

BOO/AGG Models: Promote long-term biomass procurement via Built-Own-Operate or Aggregator models.
Revised SOPs: Allow higher mill inlet temperatures and automation for up to 10% co-firing.
Pellet Standards: Adopt ISO 17225-6 with stringent quality benchmarks.
Modern Infrastructure: Invest in silo-based storage with automated dust and fire control.
Regulatory Incentives: Propose heat-rate based compensation, CO₂ mitigation credits (₹650/ton), and merit order dispatch reform.

With improved policy, infrastructure, technical SOPs, and financial models, India can meet its biomass co-firing targets safely and profitably.

Biomass Co-firing in the Indian Power sector-Persisting Challenges Download

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This summary is based on the document “Biomass Co-firing in the Indian Power Sector: Persisting Challenges and Way Forward” by the Indian Federation of Green Energy and NTPC Ltd. It serves informational purposes only and does not substitute official policy or technical consultation.