NTPC invites startups to submit EOIs for producing torrefied biomass pellets
NTPC, invites expressions of interest (EOI) from Indian startups for producing torrefied biomass pellets. Proposal submission deadline is May 19th, 2022…
India’s largest integrated power producer, NTPC, has invited expressions of interest (EOI) from Indian startups interested in producing torrefied biomass pellets. The proposal titled “Torrefied Pellet Manufacturing Plant for Agri-Waste” must be submitted latest by May 19th, 2022.
NETRA, NTPC’s research and development wing, plans to provide a platform to Indian startups so they can develop advanced technology for producing torrefied biomass pellets that are well-suited for decentralized small-scale users.
The move by NTPC demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing the biomass infrastructure in the country. The initiative by NTPC will provide a unique platform for startups to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and contribute to the Make in India movement.
The country wastes or burns an estimated 230 MMTA of biomass. In order to combat this menace, biomass co-firing in power plants has proven to be an important solution by reducing carbon footprint in the environment. NTPC has been the pioneer of co-firing biomass with coal in its coal-fired power plants.
As a result of the adoption of co-firing, NTPC has engaged in numerous initiatives to strengthen the entire Biomass value chain. NTPC has already started co-firing biomass pellets with coal at many of its plants. For many of its plants, long-term procurement has been initiated.
So far, the focus has been primarily on non-torrefied biomass pellets. Torrefied pellet technology is still in its infancy in India.
However, to maximize bulk biomass utilization, torrefied biomass pellet production needs to be prioritized, since torrefied biomass pellets have higher energy density and its characteristics are similar to coal. Additionally, torrefied biomass pellets will reduce average transportation costs.
The Union Ministry of Power has mandated 5-10 percent co-firing of biomass in all coal-fired thermal power plants in the country. It has set up the SAMARTH Mission, which promotes use of biomass in thermal power plants.
As part of the Union Budget speech-2022, biomass co-firing in power plants has also been highlighted as an important method for reducing carbon emissions and generating income for farmers.
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