Comprehensive Policy for Biomass & MSW Co-firing in Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants
The Ministry of Power has issued a new Comprehensive Policy for Co-firing Biomass Pellets and Torrefied Charcoal made from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in coal-based thermal power plants, replacing all previous guidelines. This revised framework aims to boost clean energy integration, reduce stubble burning, and accelerate India’s transition toward sustainable power generation.
For All Coal Based TPPs in the NCR (National Capital Region):
- These TPPs are mandated to co-fire a minimum of 5% blend (by weight) of biomass pellets on an annual basis.
- Additionally, they must co-fire an additional 2% blend (by weight) using either biomass pellets and/or torrefied charcoal produced from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), alongside coal.
- This mandatory blending requirement is effective from FY 2025-26.
For TPPs in Other Regions (Outside the NCR):
- TPPs in regions other than the NCR must use a minimum of 5% blend (by weight) of either biomass pellets and/or torrefied charcoal made from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) along with coal.
- This requirement also takes effect from FY 2025-26.
Mandatory Feedstock Sourcing (NCR Specific)
- A critical parameter focused on managing agricultural residue in critical areas is specified for the NCR and Adjoining Areas:
- For TPPs located in the NCR and Adjoining Areas, it is mandatory to ensure that a minimum 50% of the raw material in pellets is sourced as stubble/straw/crop residue of rice paddy exclusively from the NCR and Adjoining Areas.
Review and Pellet Type Parameters
Other relevant parameters detailed in the policy include:
- The percentage of co-firing of biomass pellets/torrefied charcoal derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) will be reviewed in the future, based on assessing the availability of surplus biomass/charcoal.
- The policy differentiates between non-torrefied or semi-torrefied biomass pellets (Volatile Matter in the range of >22-40%) and torrefied charcoal (Volatile Matter less than 22%), noting that the type utilized depends upon the suitability to the TPPs based on the recommendations of respective Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
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