India's Biomass Power Surge: Strategies and Technologies Driving Green Energy

India is set to triple biomass utilization in the power sector to 2.5 million tonnes, fueled by governmental efforts to reduce stubble burning and carbon emissions. The SAMARTH Biomass mission aims to turn biomass into eco-friendly energy. Torrefaction technology and incentives for farmers are key strategies promoting this green transition.

India's power sector is projected to experience a significant surge in biomass utilization, with expectations to nearly triple the current usage to 2.5 million tonnes this financial year. This increase follows concerted government efforts to curb stubble burning and lower carbon emissions, according to Anil Baweja, Mission Director of Samarth under the Ministry of Power.

The SAMARTH Biomass mission aligns with the central government's vision of converting biomass into a sustainable and cost-effective power source via policy and market support. 'We initially projected biomass usage at 17.5 lakh metric tonnes this year, but now anticipate exceeding 2.5 million metric tonnes,' Baweja revealed in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Despite India generating an estimated 230 million tonnes of surplus agricultural residue annually, only about 3.2 million tonnes are utilized for energy generation. Baweja indicated that using 100 million metric tonnes for biofuel production could create a market opportunity worth Rs 65,000 crore.

The government is also enhancing biomass efficiency in energy production by promoting torrefaction technology. 'Torrefaction involves heating biomass in oxygen-free conditions, releasing volatile matter to convert the biomass into a charcoal-like substance for better performance even in cold conditions,' Baweja explained.

Torrefied biomass pellets, which are more energy-dense and durable, currently sell for Rs 28,000 to Rs 35,000 per tonne. Efforts are ongoing to incentivize farmers to stop burning crop residue, directing it instead to pellet manufacturers.

The Ministry of Agriculture has established Custom Hiring Centres to provide baling machines for collecting and bundling agricultural waste. 'These centres help clean agricultural residue from fields, bail it, and sell it to pellet plants,' Baweja added. In many states, stricter enforcement has resulted in FIRs against those continuing stubble burning. 'Giving farmers an alternative viable medium will lead them towards pellet manufacturing,' he said.

As some biomass power plants operate at full capacity, particularly in Punjab, Baweja recommended co-firing in existing coal plants as a more cost-effective immediate solution. 'Co-firing is preferable to completely burning biomass, which requires new investments for plant setup; existing plants can be utilized,' he noted.

This biomass initiative forms a part of the broader Bioenergy Policy 2022, aimed at harnessing India's vast agricultural resources for sustainable energy. Compressed Biogas (CBG) production is also booming, with the country reaching a daily production capacity of 1,000 tonnes. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)