India is at a transformative crossroads in its energy transition journey. With increasing global and domestic pressure to decarbonize its economy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the country must urgently explore alternative energy sources that are not only green but also scalable, reliable, and inclusive. Among the various renewable energy options, biomass stands out as a firm and dependable energy source—especially when compared to intermittent sources like solar and wind. Its ability to provide base-load power makes biomass a critical component of India’s energy mix.
This article explores the current landscape, potential, and challenges of biomass energy in India, with a particular focus on biomass pellets—both torrefied and non-torrefied—and their applications across industries. It also highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, regulatory mandates, and sustainable economic models to catalyze the growth of the biomass sector.
Biomass: A Firm and Scalable Green Energy Source
Unlike solar and wind energy, which are subject to weather conditions and time-of-day limitations, biomass offers consistent and controllable energy output. This reliability is particularly valuable for industrial applications and thermal power generation, where uninterrupted energy supply is essential.
India’s vast agricultural base makes biomass readily available. Crop residues, agro-waste, and forestry by-products can be converted into energy through combustion, gasification, or pelletization. This not only provides a sustainable energy source but also helps manage agricultural waste, which otherwise contributes to environmental pollution—especially in the form of stubble burning in northern India.
Pelletization: The Gateway to Biomass Utilization
Pelletization is a key technology that enables the efficient use of biomass. Pellets are compact, energy-dense, and easy to transport and store. They can be used in a variety of applications, from household cooking to industrial heating and power generation.
SAMARTH: A National Mission for Biomass Co-Firing
SAMARTH (Sustainable Agrarian Mission on Use of Agro Residue in Thermal Power Plants) is a national mission launched to decarbonize India’s coal-based thermal power plants by accelerating biomass pellet co-firing. It is more than a policy—it’s a movement that positions biomass not just as a fuel, but as a solution to pollution, rural unemployment, and climate change.
Key Achievements and Impact
=Crop to Kilowatt: India produces ~230 million metric tonnes (MMT) of surplus agri-residue annually. Co-firing just 100 MMT can generate 100 billion units (BU) of clean energy, creating a ₹55,000 crore market.
Economic Upliftment:
Operational Progress:
Science, Standards & Market Access
Non-Torrefied Pellets: Current Limitations
Currently, non-torrefied biomass pellets are used in thermal power plants, but their usage is limited to around 10% as a coal replacement. This is primarily due to:
While they offer environmental benefits, these technical limitations restrict their scalability in high-demand applications. Their use remains confined to specific conditions and requires significant operational adjustments.
Torrefied Pellets: A Game-Changer
Torrefied pellets undergo a thermal treatment process that enhances their properties, making them a more viable substitute for coal. They offer:
These attributes allow torrefied pellets to replace 30–40% or more of coal usage in thermal power plants. This opens up significant opportunities for decarbonizing India’s power sector and reducing its carbon footprint.
Expanding Applications Beyond Power Plants
While thermal power plants remain the primary consumers of biomass pellets, there is immense potential for their use in other industries:
These sectors represent a vast untapped market for biomass pellets, which can drive demand and support the growth of the biomass industry.
Market Challenges: The Demand Dilemma
Despite the availability of biomass and the existence of eligible industries, the market for biomass pellets remains stagnant. The primary reason is the lack of demand, driven by concerns over marginal cost escalation.
Industries are reluctant to switch from coal or other fossil fuels to biomass due to:
This reluctance has created a chicken-and-egg situation—without demand, producers are hesitant to invest, and without supply, industries are unwilling to adopt.
Economic Model: Moving Beyond Subsidies
To overcome this impasse, India needs a sustainable economic model based on the user-pay principle. Relying on subsidies or Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is not a long-term solution, as it makes the model vulnerable to policy changes and budget constraints.
Key Recommendations for a Sustainable Economic Model
By shifting the cost burden to users and aligning incentives with sustainability goals, India can create a robust and self-sustaining biomass ecosystem.
Policy Imperatives: The Need for Clear Guidelines and Enforcement
The growth of the biomass industry hinges on strong policy support. Currently, the absence of clear guidelines, mandates, and enforcement mechanisms has created ambiguity and inertia.
Key Policy Recommendations
1. Mandatory Biomass Usage Targets: Set enforceable targets for biomass usage in thermal power plants and other industries.
2. Standardization and Quality Control: Develop standards for pellet quality, torrefaction processes, and supply chain management.
3. Regulatory Framework: Establish a regulatory body to oversee biomass energy implementation and compliance.
4. Incentives for Early Adopters: Provide tax breaks, carbon credits, or priority access to green financing for industries that adopt biomass.
5. Awareness and Capacity Building: Launch campaigns to educate stakeholders about the benefits and feasibility of biomass energy.
Once these regulations are in place and enforced, the Indian biomass industry is poised for exponential growth.
Environmental and Social Benefits
Beyond energy generation, biomass offers several co-benefits that align with India’s broader development and climate goals:
These benefits make biomass not just an energy solution but a holistic development tool that supports environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, and rural empowerment.
Conclusion: From Kisan to Kilowatt
Biomass energy represents a firm, scalable, and green alternative to fossil fuels. With the advent of torrefied pellets, its potential to replace coal in thermal power plants and other industries is more promising than ever. However, the market remains stagnant due to demand-side challenges and lack of policy support.
To unlock the full potential of biomass, India must:
With the right interventions, biomass can become a cornerstone of India’s sustainable energy future—powering industries, protecting the environment, and empowering communities. SAMARTH is paving the way for a just, green, and scalable energy transition—from Kisan to Kilowatt.
By Zubin Anand, Satish Upadhyay
(Zubin Anand is in Technical Services, National Biomass Mission, Ministry of Power & Executive {Bioenergy}, NTPC Ltd. Satish Upadhyay is Chairman BGAF, Ex-Mission Director, National Biomass Mission, Ministry of Power & Ex-Executive Director, NTPC Ltd.)
(The content of this article reflects the views of writer and contributor, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
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