 |
7.2.4
Progress and New Initiatives
A biomass power /co-generation capacity addition of 115 MW (as on 31-12-04)
as shown in Figure 7.1 in six states was created in the country during
the year, against a target of 125 MW for the whole year. The cumulative
biomass power/bagasse cogeneration based power generation capacity in
the country has now reached 727 MW. The technology wise and state-wise
details of the capacity installed so far are given Tables 7.1 and 7.2
respectively.
7.2.4.2 State-of-the-art biomass power/cogeneration projects
designed with boiler configurations of 87 bar and higher pressures are
now being installed in the country. Recent information from the commissioned
projects has indicated fairly high plant load factors with stable operation.
It may also be mentioned here that the optimum cogeneration capacity
installed in the Indian sugar mills is perhaps one of the highest among
all the major sugar producing countries of the world.
7.2.4.3 Biomass power projects with 65 ata pressure and 485 oC
temperature have now been well established in the country. A biomass
power project designed with boiler configuration of 106 ata pressure
and 525 oC temperature has also been commissioned in Karnataka recently.
The Indian biomass power projects are characterised by a number of innovative
technological features such as use of a diverse range of biomass materials
in the same boilers, use of air cooled condensers, etc.
7.2.5 Policies, Fiscal Incentives and Institutional Arrangements
The promotion of biomass based power generation in the country is being
encouraged through conducive policies at the Central and the State levels.
A number of policy initiatives have been introduced for encouragement
to commercial exploitation of biomass power potential since 1993. Incentives
include sales tax and excise duty exemption, reduced customs duty, accelerated
depreciation, etc. Electricity Regulatory Commissions set up in the
States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Maharashtra have
also noted the relevance of these technologies and hence announced policies
for purchase/wheeling/banking of power generated from biomass power/co-generation
projects.
 |
 |
