Biomass has long been a cornerstone of energy use in India, dating back to ancient times. As India aims to decarbonize large parts of its commercial and industrial heating and power applications, biomass is increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to coal for industrial heating and power generation. Biomass can help India achieve its ambitious climate goals while providing firm, 24x7 power and utilizing agricultural and forest waste.

 

Current Scenario

India is one of the largest producers of biomass, generating around 683 million tons of agricultural waste annually. Despite this abundant resource, biomass power generation in India lags behind other renewable energy sources. As of 2023, India's biomass power capacity stands at approximately 10.8 GW. 

Potential and Advantages

Firm Power Supply

• Biomass power plants can provide continuous, reliable power, making them a suitable replacement for coal power plants.
• India's biomass potential is estimated at 25 GW, with current utilization at 10 GW, indicating significant room for growth.

Utilization of Agricultural and Forest Waste

• Biomass power and heating can effectively use agricultural residues and forest waste, which are available in large quantities across India.
• Example: The Punjab Biomass Power Plant utilizes paddy straw, a common agricultural waste in Punjab, reducing stubble burning and associated air pollution.

Co-firing with Coal:

• Biomass can be co-fired with coal in existing coal power plants, providing a transitional pathway to cleaner energy.
• Case Study: NTPC has successfully co-fired biomass pellets with coal in its Dadri power plant, reducing coal consumption and emissions by up to 20% per unit of electricity generated.

Challenges and Solutions

Logistical Challenges

• The collection, transportation, and processing of biomass are hindered by logistical complexities. 
• Solution: Establishing organized biomass supply chains and incentivizing farmers to supply agricultural waste can improve biomass availability.

Infrastructure Development

• Developing infrastructure for biomass processing and power generation is essential for scaling up.
• Solution: Government policies and financial incentives can encourage private investments in biomass infrastructure.
• The Indian government has allocated $1.5 billion for biomass power projects under the National Biomass Policy, aiming to add 10 GW of biomass power capacity by 2030.

Key Technology

Pyrolysis and Torrefaction

• Pyrolysis converts biomass into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels, while torrefaction produces bio-coal with high calorific value.
• Pyrolysis technology has the potential to convert up to 70% of biomass into bio-oil and bio-gas, with 30% remaining as bio-char.

Bio-Coal Production

• Advanced processes can convert biomass into a near-equivalent of coal, known as bio-coal, which can be used in existing coal power plants.
• Example: Thermax Ltd. has developed a bio-coal production facility that can produce bio-coal from agricultural residues, providing a cleaner alternative to conventional coal.

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Sequestration (BECCS)

• BECCS technology can capture and store CO2 emissions from biomass power plants, making them carbon-negative.
• Example: The Carbon Clean Solutions project in Tamil Nadu is exploring BECCS technology, aiming to capture 60,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Modular Biomass Heating Systems

• Innovations in modular systems allow for scalable and efficient biomass heating solutions for industrial applications.
• Example: Oorja Energy Engineering offers modular biomass heating solutions for industrial clients, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

Digital Technologies

• Enhanced digital technologies can optimize the entire biomass value chain, from sourcing to energy utilization, and increase efficiency by 20%, reducing operational costs and emissions.