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Biomass Pellet Consumption Boosting in India

India has recently taken significant steps to boost the use of biomass pellets in coal-fired power plants.

Let me share some key points:

1. Mandatory Co-Firing Policy:
   1. The revised biomass policy mandates that 5% of biomass pellets be co-fired in thermal power plants (TPPs) starting from the fiscal year 2024-25.
   1. This obligation will increase to 7% from the fiscal year 2025-26.
2. Types of Biomass:

1. The policy encourages the use of various agro residues for making biomass pellets. These include:
   1. Agro-residue obtained from crops like Paddy, Soya, Arhar, Gwar, Cotton, Gram, Jawar, Bajra, Moong, Mustard, Sesame, Til, Maize, Sunflower, Jute, Coffee, etc.
   1. Groundnut Shell, Coconut Shell, Castor Seed Shell, etc.
   1. Pellets made from horticulture waste (dry leaves and trimmings from tree maintenance) and other biomass sources like Pine Cone/Needle, Elephant Grass, Sarkanda, etc.
2. Current Implementation:
   1. As of May 2023, approximately 164,976 metric tonnes of agri residues-based biomass have been co-fired in 47 coal-based thermal power plants across India.
   1. Some notable plants include:
      1. National Capital Power Station, Dadri, UP
      1. Feroze Gandhi Unchahar Thermal Power Station, UP
      1. Yamuna Nagar TPS, Haryana
      1. Rajiv Gandhi TPS, Hisar, Haryana
3. Benchmark Prices:
   1. The Ministry of Power has set benchmark prices for non-torrefied biomass pellets to streamline their supply chain and promote cleaner energy production. The price is Rs. 2.24 per 1000 kcal.

These initiatives aim to enhance sustainable energy production and reduce coal consumption in India’s power sector. The use of biomass pellets contributes to environmental conservation and diversification of energy sources. 🌿🔥