New update on biomass use at Delhi plants

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has again ordered 11 coal-based thermal power plants operators to comply with its biomass co-firing instructions.

In September 2021, the CAQM had launched a biomass co-firing programme, under which it had issued directions to the 11 plants within a 300 km radius of Delhi to co-fire biomass instead of 5 to 10% of their coal use.

As further reported, of the 11 plants, 7 have started co-firing biomass at their facility while 4 are yet to start. Only 2 plants have set up long-term tendering for co-firing of biomass. Should the operators fail to implement the ordered conversion, punitive measures would be considered.