Union Government’s New Biomass & MSW Co-Firing Policy: Exam Notes 2025

The Union Government has introduced a comprehensive policy mandating the co-firing of biomass pellets and municipal solid waste (MSW)–derived torrefied charcoal in coal-based thermal power plants. The initiative aims to use surplus agricultural residue and unmanaged municipal waste, reduce emissions, and support national cleanliness and climate goals.

Union Government’s New Biomass & MSW Co-Firing Policy: Exam Notes 2025

Key Provisions of the New Policy

• All thermal power plants in Delhi–NCR must blend 5% biomass pellets and an additional 2% biomass or MSW-based torrefied charcoal with coal from 2025–26.
• Plants outside the NCR must co-fire 5% biomass or MSW-based charcoal.
• The policy supersedes earlier guidelines and includes co-firing of municipal waste-derived fuels.

Resource Availability and Blending Requirements

• India produces large amounts of biomass annually, including surplus agricultural residue like stubble and straw.
• Urban areas generate substantial municipal solid waste, much of which is unmanaged.
• NCR-based plants must use crop residue for pellet production.
• Exemptions are possible through a multi-agency committee.

Operational Possibilities and Industry Concerns

• Public-sector plants show that integrating torrefied MSW charcoal is feasible.
• Private operators raise concerns:
  • High chlorine levels and variable calorific value in MSW fuels
  • Slagging, corrosion, unstable combustion
  • Potential emissions of dioxins and heavy metals requiring enhanced monitoring

Lessons & Ecosystem Support

• Waste-to-energy plant challenges—inefficient burning, toxic emissions, contaminated feedstock—can occur if unsegregated waste is used.
• Success depends on:
  • Strong supply-chain systems
  • Source segregation
  • Fuel quality standards
  • Continuous monitoring
• A robust ecosystem is needed similar to biomass procurement under national missions.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Co-firing norms for NCR plants: 5% biomass + 2% MSW charcoal
• India’s municipal waste generation: ~150,000 tonnes per day
• Extra co-firing costs: Can be passed through under Section 62 or 63, Electricity Act, 2003
• Torrefied charcoal: Produced by controlled heating of biomass or MSW
• Policy aims: Reduce emissions, use agricultural residue and municipal waste efficiently

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Question & Answer

Q1. What percentage of biomass pellets and MSW charcoal must be co-fired in Delhi–NCR thermal plants?
(a) 3% biomass + 1% MSW charcoal
(b) 5% biomass + 2% MSW charcoal
(c) 7% biomass + 3% MSW charcoal
(d) 10% biomass + 5% MSW charcoal
Answer: 5% biomass + 2% MSW charcoal

Q2. From which year will the co-firing norms be implemented in NCR thermal power plants?
(a) 2024–25
(b) 2025–26
(c) 2026–27
(d) 2027–28
Answer: 2025–26

Q3. How much municipal solid waste does India generate daily?
(a) 100,000 tonnes
(b) 150,000 tonnes
(c) 200,000 tonnes
(d) 250,000 tonnes
Answer: 150,000 tonnes

Q4. Torrefied charcoal is produced by:
(a) Chemical treatment of coal
(b) Controlled heating of biomass or MSW
(c) Combustion in a furnace
(d) Crushing of raw coal
Answer: Controlled heating of biomass or MSW

Q5. Under which sections of the Electricity Act, 2003, can extra co-firing costs be passed through?
(a) Section 60 & 61
(b) Section 62 & 63
(c) Section 64 & 65
(d) Section 66 & 67
Answer: Section 62 & 63

Q6. One of the main concerns with MSW-based fuel is:
(a) Low calorific value
(b) High chlorine and contamination
(c) Excess water content
(d) Easy combustion
Answer: High chlorine and contamination

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