National Mission On Use Of Biomass In Coal Based Thermal Power Plants

• 26 May 2021

The Power Ministry has decided to set up a National Mission on the use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants.

• The modalities of operation and structure of the Nation Mission are under finalization. It is being envisaged that the Mission will have a Steering Committee headed by the Power Secretary comprising all stakeholders including representatives from Petroleum and New and Renewable Energy Ministries.
• The National Mission on biomass will also contribute to the National Clean Air Programme.

Benefits

• Air Pollution: It is intended to address the issue of air pollution due to farm stubble-burning and to reduce the carbon footprints of thermal power generation.
• Energy Transition: It will also further support the energy transition in the country and its targets to move towards cleaner energy sources.
• Co-Firing: The Mission will increase the level of co-firing from the present five percent to higher levels to have a larger share of carbon-neutral power generation from the thermal power plants. Besides, it will consider regulatory issues in biomass co-firing.
• Supply Chain: It will also work to facilitate overcoming the constraints in the supply chain of biomass pellets and agro- residue and its transport upto to the power plants.