Biomass, Massive Environmental and Economic Benefits for India

As of February 2024, India's biomass energy capacity reached 10,845 MW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Given the goal of meeting 50% of India's energy requirements from renewable sources, the expansion of biomass energy is essential. Effective management of biomass supply chains, particularly for agricultural biomass, is critical for India due to its agrarian economy, impacting not just energy production but also livelihoods and sustainable development.

Potential of Biomass in India:

Biomass holds the potential to offer significant environmental and economic advantages for India. Recognizing this potential, the country operates 11,581, 21,279, and 33,196 small biogas plants in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, respectively, as per MNRE data (as of March 2023). India can harness clean energy from abundant agricultural biomass for cooking and heating, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks, thereby fostering rural development. Moreover, it can yield economic benefits through job creation and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Additionally, India stands to gain by addressing the challenge of stubble burning through the conversion of agricultural biomass into energy. Utilizing agricultural residues for bioenergy production, including composting, biochar production, and biogas plants, can mitigate the environmental and health impacts associated with stubble burning. This approach can help preserve soil fertility, combat climate change, and bolster community development. Establishing a robust biomass supply chain is crucial for swiftly clearing stubble from farmers' fields, given the limited time between harvest and sowing of the next crop.

Agricultural Biomass Supply Chain:

The agricultural biomass supply chain in India commences with the harvesting of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane, which produce agricultural residues. Following this, the collection of these residues begins, followed by their preparation for transportation. Biomass undergoes processing to render it suitable for energy production, employing methods like drying or pelletizing. It is then stored to prevent degradation and subsequently utilized for energy generation through combustion, bioconversion, or in biogas plants.

Challenges in Agricultural Biomass in India:

The dispersed distribution of biomass resources across farmers and industries complicates their collection, leading to inefficiencies. Factors such as seasonal availability and limited collection infrastructure impact year-round supply. Although agricultural infrastructure and biomass collection machinery exist in India, they encounter operational hurdles. Transporting biomass proves challenging in various Indian regions, particularly rural areas where costs are high. Additionally, variations in quality parameters, such as moisture content, influence processing efficiency.

Government Initiative: In order to promote a robust agricultural biomass sector, the Ministry of Power has introduced the Biomass Co-firing Policy, which mandates the incorporation of 5% grain-based biomass pellets with coal in thermal power plants, with plans to increase this to 7% by 2025-26. This policy also standardizes the pricing of these pellets, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based equipment, support farmers' income, and establish a sustainable biomass supply chain. Additionally, the government has launched various financial assistance schemes through MNRE to address the availability and procurement challenges of pellets.

Other Improvements: It is imperative to increase financial incentives to support farmers and industries investing in biomass machinery, which would streamline collection and optimize the supply chain. Investments in transportation could alleviate logistical challenges in biomass collection. Government support can also help discourage farmers from burning crop residues and encourage their utilization. Emphasizing the promotion of biomass-related activities and its supply chain globally through conferences, summits, and initiatives like the Global Biofuel Partnership is essential.

Conclusion: A strong and sustainable agricultural biomass supply chain is crucial in India, along with addressing challenges and promoting a transition towards clean energy. Financial incentives, infrastructure development, and capacity building to enhance the agricultural biomass supply chain are vital for India's green and more sustainable future.