MNRE Revises Biomass Programme Guidelines To Boost Clean Energy & Ease Compliance

New Delhi, Jun 28 (KNN) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme, covering the period from FY 2021–22 to 2025–26. 

The updated framework is aimed at advancing clean energy adoption, simplifying processes for industry stakeholders—particularly MSMEs—and supporting India's long-term net-zero emissions target.

The new guidelines introduce a series of business-friendly reforms. 

Key among them is the simplification of approval and documentation procedures, which are expected to significantly reduce compliance burdens and promote stubble management. 

Developers of briquette and pellet plants, for instance, will no longer be required to submit extensive documentation for clearances, thereby accelerating project timelines.

A major shift in technological norms has also been introduced. Instead of mandating high-cost Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the revised rules allow for cost-effective alternatives such as IoT-based monitoring or quarterly data submissions. 

This move is expected to improve digital accountability and lower the entry barrier for smaller enterprises.

To enhance operational flexibility, the earlier requirement for a two-year briquette or pellet sale contract has been replaced with a general sale agreement. 

This change will enable developers to respond more efficiently to changing market conditions and begin operations without being tied to long-term commitments.

The disbursement of subsidies under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) component has been made more transparent and performance-linked. 

Projects operating at or above 80 percent efficiency will be eligible for full assistance, while those below this threshold will receive proportional support.

Inspection criteria have also been made more pragmatic. The performance evaluation can now occur within 18 months of either commissioning or the date of in-principle approval, whichever is later. 

Additionally, the inspection duration has been reduced—from 48 hours over three days to a single 10-hour continuous run—sufficient to verify a plant’s operational capacity.

Addressing regional environmental concerns, the revised guidelines include a special provision for biomass pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. 

These producers can now choose between MNRE and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) support schemes, depending on which is more beneficial.

(KNN Bureau)