NTPC intends to co-fire biomass at its coal-based power plants

According to The Economic Times, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plans to begin co-firing biomass such as scrap lumber, forest debris, crop residues, manure, at all of its coal-based thermal power plants. NTPC will soon release a tender, for the procurement of biomass pellets and torrified biomass pellets. NTPC’s intent is to reduce air pollution and create an alternative market for agricultural residues. According to IISc Bangalore survey data from 2002-2004, India had a surplus of 145 million tonnes of agricultural residues, which has a potential to generate 18,728 MW.

Picture Credit: Vmenkov, E8025-Milyanfan-corn-huskers, CC BY-SA 3.0