Govt to Set Up National Mission on Use of Biomass in Coal Based Thermal Power Plants

The Power Ministry has decided to set up a National Mission on the use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants. 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.  It will also further support the energy transition in the country and its targets to move towards cleaner energy sources.

 

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. 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. Besides, it will consider regulatory issues in biomass co-firing. 

  

According to an official release, 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.