India's Biomass Energy Surge: A Sustainable Path Forward

India's biomass utilization in power is set to triple, driven by government initiatives to curb stubble burning and reduce carbon emissions. The SAMARTH Biomass mission could generate vast economic benefits and employ advanced technologies like torrefaction. Efforts include incentivizing farmers and utilizing existing coal plants for co-firing.

India is poised to significantly increase its biomass utilization for power generation, with an expected rise to 2.5 million tonnes this year, almost tripling previous levels. This initiative aligns with government measures to mitigate stubble burning and greenhouse gas emissions, according to Anil Baweja, Mission Director of SAMARTH under the Ministry of Power.

The SAMARTH Biomass mission aims to transform biomass into power through sustainable and cost-effective strategies supported by government policies and market facilitation. Previously projected at 1.75 million tonnes, the target has shifted to over 2.5 million metric tonnes. So far, 1.3 million metric tonnes have already been consumed this year, Baweja reported in an exclusive interview with ANI.

Annually, India generates approximately 230 million tonnes of agricultural residue, of which only 3.2 million tonnes are currently utilized for energy generation. Employing 100 million metric tonnes for biofuel could open a market opportunity worth Rs 65,000 crore. The government is endorsing torrefaction technology to improve biomass energy efficiency, converting biomass to a form similar to charcoal, thereby producing more energy-dense fuel.

(With inputs from agencies.)