Powering with Biomass: Learnings from Delhi-NCR and the way forward for Indian TPPs

July 01, 2025

Powering with Biomass is a comprehensive study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that highlights the potential of biomass co-firing in India's coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) as a sustainable solution to two pressing issues—stubble burning and high carbon emissions. Drawing insights from Delhi-NCR, where biomass co-firing has gained significant momentum due to targeted policy interventions by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Ministry of Power (MoP), and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the report presents evidence-based learnings and practical strategies for expanding co-firing practices nationwide.

The report assesses the current status of surplus biomass availability, showcases effective practices from NCR-based TPPs and clearly illustrates the uneven adoption of co-firing across regions. It reveals that while Delhi-NCR accounts for nearly 75 per cent of total biomass co-fired in India, other regions with ample surplus biomass remain largely untapped due to logistical constraints and weak regulatory enforcement. The study concludes with a set of actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening policy enforcement, building robust biomass supply chains, and enabling state-level frameworks to accelerate the adoption of biomass co-firing as a key step in India’s low-carbon energy transition.