Union Minister Inaugurates 240 TPD Biomass Pellet Plant in Rewari, Haryana

Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a state-of-the-art 240 TPD Biomass Pellet Plant in Rewari, Haryana.

• The plant will convert agricultural residues—including paddy straw, mustard straw, and cotton stalks—into biomass pellets.

New National Policy on Biomass Co-firing

• Government of India has notified a comprehensive policy mandating biomass pellet or torrefied MSW charcoal co-firing in all coal-based thermal power plants.
• Co-firing requirements:
  • 5% biomass/MSW charcoal (by weight) in all thermal power plants nationwide.
  • 7% blend for Delhi-NCR plants.
• NCR-specific requirement:
  • At least 50% of biomass must come from local paddy residue/stubble, helping curb air pollution and stubble burning.

Environmental & Economic Impact

• Promotes cleaner combustion, reducing emissions and improving regional air quality.
• Supports India’s renewable energy and decarbonisation targets.
• Creates:
  • New livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
  • Additional income streams for farmers selling crop residues.
  • Sustainable biomass supply chains around thermal power plants.

What Are Biomass Pellets?

• Solid biofuels made from agricultural and forest residues such as:
  • Sawdust
  • Straw
  • Animal waste
  • Crop stalks
• Pellets improve energy and mass density, making biomass easier to store, handle, and transport.

Applications of Biomass Pellets

• Widely used as a renewable energy source across sectors:
  • Heat & electricity generation
  • Space heating
  • Industrial processes
  • Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants
  • Animal bedding

Source: PIB