1. Biomass Co-Firing Made Mandatory in Thermal Plants

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Title: Govt of India Makes Biomass Pellet Co-Firing Mandatory in All Thermal Power Plants
Date: April 2025

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As per Ministry of Power notification, all coal-based thermal power plants must co-fire 5–10% biomass pellets with coal. This mandate is part of India’s Net Zero by 2070 target and is enforced under the SAMARTH mission.

3. SAMARTH Mission Driving Pellet Procurement

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Title: Government’s SAMARTH Mission Boosts Pellet Usage Nationwide
Date: March 2025

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Under the SAMARTH (Sustainable Agrarian Mission on Use of Agro Residue in Thermal Power Plants), the government is offering support for setting up pellet plants, easing tender procedures, and ensuring assured procurement for 7+ years.

5. New BIS Standards for Biomass Pellets Enforced

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Title: Govt Enforces BIS Quality Standards for Non-Torrefied and Torrefied Biomass Pellets
Date: May 2025

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The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has enforced updated norms for GCV, ash content, moisture, and size of biomass pellets. All suppliers must comply to ensure safety and efficiency during co-firing in boilers.

2. NTPC Targets 20 Million Ton Biomass Usage by 2030

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Title: NTPC Scales Up Biomass Pellet Procurement for Green Power Push
Date: June 2025

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India’s largest power producer NTPC Ltd has announced a roadmap to use 20 million tons of biomass pellets by 2030 in its thermal power plants. This includes new long-term contracts with pellet manufacturers across India.

4. Viability Gap Funding for Pellet Supply

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Title: Government Announces Financial Incentives for Pellet Supply to Power Plants
Date: February 2025

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To address high logistics costs and improve pellet affordability, the Ministry of Power has reintroduced Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for suppliers delivering biomass pellets to distant thermal plants.

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6. Indian Railways Offers Subsidized Freight for Pellet Transport

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Title: Railways Cuts Freight Rates for Biomass Pellets by 20%
Date: July 2025

Preview:

To promote large-scale movement of biomass fuel, Indian Railways has reduced freight charges for bulk pellet consignments, especially from Punjab, Haryana, and UP to NTPC power stations across the country.

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