In a significant push for renewable energy and tackling stubble burning, the Union government has announced the establishment of multiple bioenergy projects in Punjab. This development was shared in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, on Tuesday.
Details of Installed Bioenergy Capacity
Responding to a query from Punjab Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu, the minister provided a detailed breakdown of the projects. He stated that 23 briquette and pellet manufacturing projects with a combined installed capacity of 96.5 tonnes per hour (TPH) are now operational in the state. Additionally, four compressed biogas (CBG) projects have been set up.
The central government's support extends beyond these numbers. Minister Naik informed the house that support has been provided for:
- 3,122 small biogas plants (less than 25 cubic metres per day capacity).
- Three medium biogas plants (25-2,500 cubic metres per day).
- Six compressed biogas plants with a total capacity of 100.2 tonnes per day (TPD).
- Five non-bagasse biomass cogeneration projects of 41.4 MW.
- Two additional briquette/pellet manufacturing projects of 8 TPH capacity.
Financial Incentives for Farmers and Entrepreneurs
A key part of the strategy to manage crop residue, a major cause of seasonal air pollution, involves substantial financial assistance. Under the Ministry's Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, the following support is offered:
Farmers receive financial assistance at 50% for the purchase of crop residue management machinery.
For the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), an 80% financial aid is provided to:
- Rural entrepreneurs and cooperative societies of farmers.
- Day-NRLM cluster level federations and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Panchayats.
Furthermore, paddy supply chain projects can avail 65% financial support, up to a maximum of Rs 1.50 crore, on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
Broader Support for Paddy Straw Utilisation
The government is employing a multi-agency approach to promote the use of paddy straw. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) offers one-time financial support from the Environment Protection Charge Funds. This funding is specifically aimed at encouraging the establishment of pelletisation and torrefaction plants, which convert paddy straw into usable fuel, thereby providing an economic alternative to burning it.
These concerted efforts highlight a strategic shift towards creating a sustainable ecosystem around agricultural waste. By setting up processing infrastructure and offering targeted subsidies, the Centre and the state aim to address the twin challenges of farm waste management and renewable energy generation effectively.
