In a major step toward sustainable energy and air pollution control, Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), a subsidiary of Vedanta Ltd, has commissioned Punjab’s largest biomass manufacturing facility near its 1,980 MW thermal power plant in Mansa.

With a capacity of 500 tonnes per day, the new plant converts agricultural stubble into torrefied bio-pellets — a high-grade, solid biofuel produced through a thermochemical process. These carbon-neutral pellets offer a cleaner, high-energy alternative to coal and are expected to significantly reduce TSPL’s environmental footprint.

Crop stubble, traditionally burned across Punjab, causes severe seasonal air pollution in northern India. By establishing this facility, TSPL not only curbs pollution but also creates a remunerative ecosystem for farmers. During the recent paddy season, the plant converted over 800,000 tonnes of stubble into 640,000 tonnes of bio-pellets.

The initiative will allow TSPL to reduce daily coal usage by 5%, contributing to an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of CO? emissions averted. The company also co-fires 450 tonnes of torrefied biomass daily, sourced from the open market.

“This plant is a model of collaborative innovation to tackle air pollution and promote cleaner power generation,” said Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board.

Vedanta’s power CEO Rajinder Singh Ahuja added that despite challenges in technology, infrastructure, and supply, the company remained focused on supporting India’s clean energy transition.