The Revised Biomass Policy in India has introduced significant changes to promote the utilization of biomass for power generation. Here are the key modifications:

1. Mandatory Co-Firing:
   • The revised policy mandates that Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) must carry out 5% biomass co-firing starting from the fiscal year 2024-25.
   • This obligation will further increase to 7% from the fiscal year 2025-26.
   • Co-firing involves blending biomass pellets with coal during combustion, contributing to cleaner energy production.
2. Initiatives to Ensure Availability:
   • The government has taken several initiatives to ensure the availability and procurement of biomass pellets for co-firing in TPPs:
     • Finance Assistance Schemes by MNRE and CPCB for biomass pellet manufacturing units.
     • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval for ‘Biomass pellet manufacturing’ as an eligible activity under Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
     • Creation of a Procurement Provision of Biomass Category on the GeM portal.
     • Issuance of a Revised Model long-term contract for Biomass supply by the Ministry of Power.
     • Establishment of a vendor database listed on the SAMARTH website.
     • Awareness programs and advertisement campaigns.
     • Provision of Udyam Aadhaar on the National Single Window System.
     • Bankable Model Project Report for Biomass Pellet Plants.
3. Types of Agro Residues:
   • The policy addendum dated 03-05-2023 specifies various types of agro residues suitable for making biomass pellets. These include:
     • Stubble/straw/stalk/husk from crops like Paddy, Soya, Arhar, Gwar, Cotton, Gram, Jawar, Bajra, Moong, Mustard, Sesame, Til, Maize, Sunflower, Jute, Coffee, etc.
     • Groundnut Shell, Coconut Shell, Castor Seed Shell, etc.
     • Pellets made from Bamboo and its by-products, horticulture waste, and other biomass materials.
4. Current Usage:
   • Approximately 1,64,976 Metric Tonnes of agri residues-based biomass have been co-fired in 47 coal-based thermal power plants until May 2023.

These modifications aim to enhance the use of renewable energy sources and reduce environmental impact. 🌱🔥