Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art 240 TPD Biomass Pellet Plant in Rewari, Haryana. The plant will use agricultural residues to manufacture biomass pellets for thermal power co-firing, reducing pollution and carbon emissions. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Minister described the project as an important step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable and energy-secure future.
The government has notified a comprehensive policy mandating biomass pellet or torrefied municipal solid waste (MSW) charcoal co-firing in all coal-based thermal power plants. Thermal power stations across the country are required to co-fire 5 percent biomass or MSW charcoal by weight, with units in the Delhi-NCR region achieving a 7 percent blend. This policy aims to reduce pollution and promote sustainable energy.
The Minister highlighted Haryana’s clean energy achievements, including the installation of over 2.8 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 2.4 GW of solar power. The state has also made significant progress in promoting rooftop solar systems, with over 45,000 homes already installed. Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, Haryana has installed 18.61 MW of solar power and over 1.74 lakh solar pumps, enabling farmers to irrigate using sunlight without relying on diesel.
The Minister also emphasized Haryana’s leadership in pioneering green hydrogen projects across sectors, including Hisar, Panipat, and Jhajjar. The state has a biomass potential exceeding 1,350 MW and a growing network of waste-to-energy projects totaling nearly 49 MW across 26 units. These developments place Haryana at the forefront of the global clean fuel revolution.
The inauguration of the biomass pellet plant is expected to generate new livelihood opportunities for rural communities and create an additional income stream for farmers. The government’s efforts to promote sustainable energy and reduce pollution are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the economy. Overall, the Minister’s visit highlights the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and Haryana’s progress in this regard is a significant step towards achieving a sustainable and energy-secure future.