NTPC achieves milestone with 20 pc torrefied biomass co-firing at Tanda Plant

India’s leading power utility demonstrates a sustainable energy transition and pioneers biomass co-firing to decarbonise operations and advance net zero goals.

NTPC, India’s leading integrated power utility, has achieved a new milestone by successfully demonstrating the co-firing of 20 wt percent torrefied biomass at its Unit #4 at Tanda in UP, thereby marking a significant stride towards building a sustainable future

The initiative, a first of its kind in the Indian power sector, showcases NTPC’s commitment to decarbonising existing coal-fired fleets and advancing towards net zero emission targets.

NTPC established co-firing 7 percent to 10 percent non-torrefied biomass with coal at NTPC Dadri. However, to achieve higher percentages of biomass co-firing without major modifications, the Energy Transition and Policy Research Division of NTPC Engineering explored the possibility of using torrefied biomass.

Torrefied biomass, produced by heating biomass without oxygen, exhibits characteristics akin to coal, making it suitable for higher co-firing percentages without significant system modifications. The gross calorific value (GCV) and cost of torrefied biomass pellets are equivalent to imported coal.

NTPC’s endeavour towards decarbonisation includes exploring biomass co-firing in both existing and new coal power plants. Each percent of biomass co-firing has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by approximately the same percentage. Additionally, biomass co-firing mitigates air pollution caused by farmers’ direct burning of stubble in the fields.

NTPC looks forward to significant long-term cost reduction potential with the maturity of technology and the market, setting a benchmark for sustainable power generation practices in the country.

In total, NTPC has awarded 52 lakh mt of biomass pellets for 20 NTPC stations and 1 Joint venture (APCPL-Jhajjar). As of now, the total biomass pellets receipt/co-fired at 13 NTPC and 02 joint ventures (APCPL-Jhajjar& NSPCL Bhilai) stations is 254063 mt.

To spread awareness regarding the manufacturing of biomass pellets from agro residue, NTPC is setting up biomass pellet plants at various locations, such as 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 pellet plants will be utilised in co-firing thermal power stations.