NTPC successfully demonstrates 20 per cent torrefied biomass co-firing

NTPC Limited has successfully demonstrated co-firing of 20 per cent torrefied biomass at its Unit 4 at Tanda in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative, the first of its kind in the Indian power sector, showcases NTPC’s commitment to decarbonising existing coal-fired fleets and advancing towards net-zero emission targets. Earlier, NTPC had established co-firing of 7 per cent to 10 per cent non-torrefied biomass with coal at NTPC Dadri. However, to achieve higher percentages of biomass co-firing without major modifications, the possibility of using torrefied biomass was explored by the Energy Transition and Policy Research division of NTPC Engineering. Torrefied biomass, produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, exhibits characteristics akin to coal, making it suitable for higher co-firing percentages without significant system modifications. The Gross Calorific Value and cost of torrefied biomass pellets are currently equivalent to imported coal.