Insta
Why Burn Stubble When You Can Sell It? NTPC Generates Electricity Via Agri-Waste At Dadri Power Plant
Stubble burning (Gurpreet Singh/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
State-run NTPC’s Dadri power plant has begun generating power via a technique called biomass co-firing which uses agriculture waste as fuel, reports Economic Times (ET).
“We have started producing electricity by partially replacing coal from pellets made of paddy straw and other agricultural residues in one unit of Dadri power plant. Blending of this bio-mass pellets in co-firing is one of the new initiatives towards improvement in environment measures at the plant. Currently, the plant has started with 10 per cent biomass co-firing in power generation,” said Chief General Manager, NTPC Dadri, A K Das.
Biomass co-firing reduces emissions from coal-fuelled generation and doesn’t require substantial infrastructural investments.
This mechanism can help address the problem of seasonal stubble-burning in states like Punjab which is considered a key cause for Delhi pollution.
Issues Remain
However, biomass has lower thermal efficiency, higher cost and higher technical risks as compared to coal. Also, biomass usually has a lower bulk energy density and is wet.
Though the direct costs of biomass like agricultural wastes might be low, the transportation, preparation, and handling costs are prohibitively high.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
