NTPC Limited has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from Indian Startups to produce Torrified Biomass Pellet.
Through its R&D wing, NETRA, NTPC seeks to provide a platform to Indian startups to develop advanced technology for production of torified biomass pellets suitable for decentralized small scale users. The last date for submission of proposals titled “Torfed Pellet Manufacturing Plant for Agro-Waste” is 19 May 2022.
India produces an estimated 230 MMTA of biomass which is either wasted or burnt. Biomass co-firing in power plants has proven to be a major solution to meet this threat thereby reducing the carbon footprint in the environment. NTPC has been a pioneer in co-firing of biomass in its coal fired power plants. Since the adoption of co-firing, NTPC Continuously engaged in strengthening the value chain of the entire biomass sector in various dimensions. Several NTPC plants have already started the required co-firing of biomass pellets with coal. Long term procurement action has also been initiated for several plants.
So far, the focus has been mainly on non-torfed biomass pellets. However, for the bulk utilization of biomass, importance should be given to torrefied biomass pellet production, because torrefied biomass pellet has a higher energy density, and its characteristics are closer to that of coal. In addition, torified biomass pellets will reduce the average transportation cost. At present, the technology for torified pellets is still in the early stages of development.
The Union Ministry of Power has set up a National Mission for the Utilization of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants (Mission Samarth) and has made co-firing of 5-10 percent biomass mandatory in all coal fired thermal power plants in the country. Biomass co-firing in power plants has also been included in the Union Budget Speech-2022 as an important tool for carbon reduction and income generation for farmers.
This move by NTPC is expected to strengthen NTPC’s commitment towards developing the biomass ecosystem in the country and will provide a unique platform to Indian startups to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India and ambitious Will also contribute to the Make in India movement.