MNRE updates biomass and waste-to-energy guidelines, links subsidies to plant performance
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised guidelines for the Biomass and Waste-to-Energy (WtE) programmes under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme. The updates simplify compliance and tie financial support to actual plant performance.
Biomass programme: Eased requirements, performance-based subsidy
Effective for FY 2021–22 to 2025–26, the new Biomass Programme norms reduce documentation and relax approval procedures. Developers of briquette and pellet plants are no longer required to submit multiple clearances or long-term sale contracts; a general sale agreement now suffices.
SCADA systems are no longer mandatory for monitoring. Developers may opt for IoT-based solutions or submit quarterly performance data.
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) will be disbursed based on operational efficiency. Plants running above 80 per cent efficiency will receive full assistance; others will be supported on a pro-rata basis. The inspection window is now 18 months from commissioning or in-principle approval, whichever is later, with provisions for extension.
The operational benchmark has been lowered—from three days at 80 per cent capacity for 16 hours a day to a continuous 10-hour run—to validate plant capacity.
Biomass pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh can choose between MNRE or CPCB support.
Waste-to-Energy programme: Staggered CFA, simplified inspections
Under the revised WtE guidelines, 50 per cent of the CFA will be released upon securing Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board, against a bank guarantee. The remainder will follow after the project reaches 80 per cent of its rated or CFA-eligible capacity. If this is not achieved, support will be offered on a pro-rata basis; projects operating below a 50 per cent plant load factor will receive no subsidy.
Joint inspections will now be led by the National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), along with SNAs,
Biogas Technology Development
Centres, or empanelled bodies. Only one inspection will be required for those not availing advance CFA.
Developers have 18 months from commissioning or in-principle approval to claim the subsidy.
According to the Ministry, these changes are aimed at improving
bioenergy adoption
, agricultural residue management, and
renewable energy deployment
.
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