The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has updated the guidelines on ‘Waste to Energy’ and ‘Biomass’ components of the National Bioenergy Programme.
- Bioenergy: It is a form of renewable energy generated when we burn biomass fuel which comes from organic material such as harvest residues, crops and organic waste from our homes, etc.
What is the National Bioenergy Programme?
- Launched: In 2022
- Implementation: Two phases with a total budget of Rs. 1715 Crore; Phase-1 (2021-22 to 2025-26).
- Objective: Utilize surplus biomass (primarily from rural areas) for power generation, while providing additional income for rural households.
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA): To be provided to project developers based on various aspects of projects.
- For special categories like the North East Region, hilly states, SC/ST beneficiaries, etc., 20% more CFA will be provided.
- There are 3 components of the programme
- Waste to Energy Programme: Support projects for generating Biogas, BioCNG, Power, or Syngas from urban, industrial, and agricultural waste/residues.
- Biomass Programme: Support Biomass Briquette/Pellet manufacturing plants and Biomass (non-bagasse) based cogeneration projects.
- Biogas Programme: Support biogas plants for clean cooking fuel, small power needs, improved sanitation, women empowerment, etc.
- Biogas is 95% methane (CH₄) and CO₂, with traces of N₂, H₂, H₂S, and O₂
