NTPC asks Indian startups to produce torrefied biomass pellets

03 May 2022 CW Team

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) to produce torrefied biomass pellets from Indian startups.

Through its research and development (R&D) wing, the network for space object tracking and analysis (NETRA), NTPC intends to provide a platform for Indian startups to develop advanced technology for producing torrefied biomass pellets for decentralised small-scale users. The deadline for the submission is 19 May 2022.

India produces around 230 million metric tonnes of biomass annually, either wasted or burnt. Biomass in power plants can reduce carbon footprint in the environment.

NTPC has been a pioneer in co-firing biomass in its coal power plants. Since its co-firing, NTPC has been strengthening the entire biomass sector value chain in various dimensions. Many NTPC plants have already started the requisite co-firing biomass pellets with coal. Long-term procurement has not been initiated in many plants.

Till now, the focus has been on non-torrefied biomass pellets. But, for bulk utilisation, torrefied biomass pellet production needs to be given importance, as it has more energy density with similar characteristics to coal.

The torrefied biomass pellets will reduce average transportation costs. Currently, the technology for torrefied pellets is still in the nascent stage of development.

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has set up the National Mission for using biomass in thermal power plants, Mission SAMARTH. It has mandated 5-10% co-firing of biomass in all coal-based thermal power plants in India. Biomass co-firing in power plants has also been included in the Budget 2022 for reducing carbon emissions and generating income for the farmers.

Image Source

Also read: Govt takes steps towards biomass use in coal-based TPPs

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..