Outlook on the SAMARTH Mission: An Initiative for Realising Biomass Co-firing Policy in India

Economic development and rising energy demand have significantly increased global CO₂ emissions, reaching 36.8 Gt in 2022. This has exacerbated climate change and environmental threats such as rising temperatures, polar ice melt, and sea-level rise. Co-firing biomass in coal-based thermal power plants offers a low-cost, carbonneutral method to reduce emissions while maintaining energy supply. India’s National Biomass Co-firing Policy, introduced in 2017 and revised in 2021, set a target of 5-10% biomass co-firing. This was further strengthened by the 2023 environmental regulations and a comprehensive mandatory order for 2025. This order mandates 5% co-firing nationwide and an additional 2% co-firing (total 7%) using torrefied biomass or municipal solid waste in the National Capital Region (NCR). The ‘SAMARTH’ scheme implements these policies by establishing sustainable biomass supply chains, promoting pelletization, and supporting thermal power plants through technical guidance, standards, and testing infrastructure. India produces approximately 754 million tons of agricultural biomass annually, of which about 228 million tons are surplus. In addition, there is agroforestry and forest biomass, which offers higher calorific value and year-round availability. Under the ‘SAMARTH’ scheme, co-firing agricultural waste reduces crop residue burning, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and increases farmers’ income. However, the seasonal availability and low energy density of agricultural residues present challenges. This makes agroforestry biomass more suitable for consistent, long-term co-firing. With policy support, technological innovations such as torrefaction, and standardized fuel quality, the strategic integration of agricultural and forest biomass provides a robust framework for India’s transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy system.