Govt Revises Policy To Further Promote Use Of Biomass Pellets In Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants

The government has modified ts policy to increase use of biomass pellets as as fuel in the coal-burning. thermal power plants across the country.

Biomass pellets are a popular type of biomass fuel, generally made from wood wastes, agricultural biomass, commercial grasses and forestry residue.

The move will encourage the use of agricultural waste, which is otherwise burnt by farmers and causes air pollution, for production of the biomass pellets.

The Union Power Ministry announced the decision on Friday (8 October).

Under the revised policy, the ministry has made it mandatory for three categories of thermal power plants to use a 5 per cent blend of biomass pellets along with coal, reports Economic Times.

The policy will come into force in October 2022, with a requirement to increase the proportion of biomass to 7 per cent within two years for two categories of power plants.

"The policy for co-firing of biomass would be in force for 25 years or until the useful life of the thermal power plant, whichever is earlier," the power ministry said in a statement.

It further said that the minimum percentage of biomass for co-firing will be reviewed from time to time.

It should be noted that farmers in some north Indian states burn their paddy stalks and straw during the winter season to prepare the ground for planting. However, the burning of the agri-waste causes severe air pollution