SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has installed 5 megawatts (MW) of biomass-based cogeneration capacity under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme, the Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha, stating that no biomass pellet manufacturing units, waste-to-energy plants or biogas projects have been recorded under the programme in the Union Territory so far.
In a written reply to an unstarred question by several members including Ujjwal Deorao Nikam and others, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik said Phase-I of the programme supports installation of bioenergy projects across the country through central financial assistance.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said the programme covers three major components: the Waste-to-Energy Programme for energy generation from urban, industrial and agricultural residues; the Biomass Programme supporting briquette and pellet manufacturing as well as non-bagasse biomass cogeneration in industries; and the Biogas Programme aimed at establishing small and medium-scale biogas plants.
According to the ministry, the national installed capacity under Phase-I stands at 384.02 MW of biomass cogeneration projects, 1,014.29 tonnes per hour capacity of biomass briquette and pellet manufacturing, 381.87 MW equivalent waste-to-energy capacity, and 34,913 biogas plants across states and Union Territories.
The government also informed the House that a third-party evaluation of Phase-I of the programme has been conducted to assess its impact on rural income generation, waste utilisation and reduction of stubble burning or biomass wastage. The findings of the evaluation have been compiled as part of the programme’s review, according to the ministry.
