NTPC Limited has reached a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating the co-firing of 20 percent torrefied biomass at its Unit# 4 in Tanda, Uttar Pradesh. This achievement represents a notable step towards fostering a sustainable future.
This initiative, the first of its kind in India’s power sector, underscores NTPC’s dedication to decarbonizing its existing coal-fired assets and progressing towards net-zero emission goals.
Previously, NTPC had pioneered co-firing of 7 to 10 percent non-torrefied biomass with coal at NTPC Dadri. However, to enhance biomass co-firing percentages without major alterations, the potential of utilizing torrefied biomass was explored by NTPC’s Energy Transition and Policy Research Division.
Torrefied biomass, generated by heating biomass in an oxygen-deprived environment, shares characteristics similar to coal, making it conducive to higher co-firing percentages without substantial system modifications. Currently, the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and cost of torrefied biomass pellets are on par with imported coal.
NTPC’s commitment to decarbonization encompasses exploring biomass co-firing in both existing and new coal power plants. Each increment in biomass co-firing has the potential to decrease Carbon Emissions by approximately the same percentage. Furthermore, biomass co-firing aids in mitigating air pollution resulting from the direct burning of stubble in fields by farmers.
NTPC anticipates significant cost reductions in the long term as technology and market maturity progress, thus establishing a benchmark for sustainable power generation practices nationwide.
Overall, NTPC has allocated 52 Lakh MT of Biomass pellets for 20 NTPC stations and 01 Joint venture (APCPL-Jhajjar). Currently, the total Biomass pellets received/co-fired at 13 NTPC and 02 Joint Venture (APCPL-Jhajjar & NSPCL Bhilai) stations amount to 254063 MT.
To promote awareness regarding biomass pellets manufacturing from agro residue, NTPC is establishing biomass pellet plants at various locations, including a 22 TPD Non-Torrefied pellet plant at Lehra Mohabbat, Bhatinda, a 100 TPD Torrefied and 100 TPD Non-Torrefied pellet plant at APCPL-Jhajjar, and a 50 TPD Non-Torrefied pellet plant at NCPS-Dadri. Biomass pellets produced from these plants will be utilized in co-firing at thermal power stations.
