NATIONAL BIOENERGY PROGRAMME (NBP) ( UPSC Prelims)

EN ह

News Context

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently revised the guidelines concerning the 'Waste to Energy' and 'Biomass' elements of the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP).

About National Bioenergy Programme

Launched: In 2022
 Implementation: Two phases, with a total budget of Rs. 1715 Crore; Phase-1 spans from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
 Objective: To utilize surplus biomass (primarily from rural areas) for power generation.
 Central Financial Assistance (CFA): Provided to project developers for various project aspects.
      ○ An additional 20% CFA is available for special categories such as the North East Region, hilly states, and SC/ST beneficiaries.
 3 Components:
  ● Waste to Energy Programme: Utilizes technologies like pyrolysis and plasma gasification to support projects that generate Biogas, BioCNG, Power, or Syngas from urban, industrial, and agricultural waste/residues.  
  ● Biomass Programme: Supports the establishment of Biomass Briquette/Pellet manufacturing plants and Biomass (non-bagasse) based cogeneration projects.  
  ● Biogas Programme: Aids in setting up biogas plants for clean cooking fuel, small power needs, improved sanitation, and women empowerment, among other benefits.  
    ● Biogas consists of 95% methane (CH₄) and CO₂, with traces of N₂, H₂, H₂S, and O₂.  

Key Features of Revised Guidelines

Waste to Energy Programme:
  ● Easier approvals for MSMEs and industry.  
  ● Improved CFA Disbursal: Two-Stage Release:  
    ● 50% CFA after consent from State Pollution Control Board, with a bank guarantee.  
        ○ Remaining CFA after 80% capacity achievement or maximum limit (whichever is lower).
 Biomass Programme:
      ○ No clearance documents required for briquette/pellet plants.
  ● Tech Integration: IoT-based monitoring.  
  ● Stubble Burning Support: Pellet producers in NCR/nearby states can choose between the MNRE or Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scheme.