NTPC to use stubble with coal at power plants

20 November 2017

The government has directed State-run power producer NTPC to mix crop residue pellets with coal for power generation in all of its thermal power plants in a bid to curb crop burning in Punjab and Haryana. The burning of stubble by farmer had been cited as one of the reasons behind the pollution crisis in Delhi and neighbouring areas.

Power Minister R.K. Singh added that this step would earn farmers Rs. 5,500 per tonne of crop residue. The statement comes a day after the Ministry of Petroleum brought forward the deadline for the rollout of the cleaner BS-VI grade of fuel in Delhi in order to reduce emissions.

Reducing pollution

“The Ministry has directed NTPC to mix straw/crop residue pellets with coal, up to 10%, for power generation in all of its thermal power plants, Mr. Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by the Power Ministry. “This step would reduce crop residue burning in agriculture dominated States like Punjab, Haryana, etc. and hence reduce air pollution that is currently being experienced.”

Tenders soon

“This step would give the farmers a monetary return of Rs. 5,500 per tonne of crop residue and hence create a market for it,” the Minister added. “The infrastructure for sourcing the crop residue from farmers is being set up and NTPC would soon be issuing tenders in this regard.”

Mr. Singh further said that his Ministry was in talks with State governments to make it mandatory to source 10% of their fuel from straw or crop residue for all power plants in their respective jurisdictions.

The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the event launching the portal for the Saubhagya Scheme, which seeks to implement last-mile connectivity to electrify rural households.

Source: The Hindu