New biomass guidelines to boost bio-energy, ease of doing business

IN a bid to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across the country, the government on Saturday issued revised guidelines for the biomass programme.

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The new norms have been released under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme, applicable for the period FY 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Under the new framework, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry especially MSMEs to enhance their production.

One of the major highlights of the revision is technological integration by enabling the use of IoT-based monitoring solutions or quarterly data submissions instead of expensive and high-tech systems like SCADA.

This cost-effective step promotes digital monitoring and accountability, especially for smaller business operators, said the ministry.

The guidelines also encourage significant simplification of documentation requirements. Developers of briquette and pellet manufacturing plants will no longer be required to submit number of documents related to clearance matters.