India’s largest integrated power producer NTPC has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) to
produce torrefied biomass pellets from Indian startups.Through its R&D wing, NETRA, NTPC
intends to provide a platform to Indian startups to enable them to develop advanced technology
for producing torrefied biomass pellets that are well-suited for decentralized small-scale users.
The last date of submission of the proposals titled, “Torrefied Pellet Manufacturing Plant for
Agri-Waste” is May 19.The move by NTPC is expected to reinforce NTPC’s commitment
towards developing the biomass ecosystem in the country and will provide a unique platform for
the Indian startups to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat and also
contribute towards the ambitious Make in India movement.
India produces an estimated 230 MMTA of biomass that is either wasted or burnt. Biomass co-
firing in power plants has proven to be a major solution to cater to this menace thereby reducing
carbon footprint in the environment. NTPC has been the pioneer in co-firing Biomass in its coal-
fired power plants. Since the adoption of co-firing, NTPC has been continuously engaged in
strengthening the entire Biomass sector value chain in various dimensions. Many of the NTPC
plants have already started the requisite co-firing of biomass pellets with coal. Long-term
procurement action has also been initiated for many plants.
Till now, the focus has been centred mainly on non-torrefied biomass pellets. However, for bulk
utilization of biomass, torrefied biomass pellet production needs to be given importance, as
torrefied biomass pellets have more energy density, and its characteristics are closer to coal.
Further, torrefied biomass pellets will reduce average transportation costs. Currently, the
technology for torrefied pellets is still in the nascent stage of development.
The Union Ministry of Power has set up the National Mission for the use of Biomass in thermal
power plants (Mission SAMARTH) and has mandated 5-10 percent co-firing of Biomass 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 the farmers.