NTPC sign deal to buy bamboo biomass in historic New Year gift to Maharashtra farmers

Mumbai: In what is a New Year gift for farmers, the National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd's Solapur project will now purchase bamboo biomass to mix with coal for power generation.

Initial agreements will be signed for 50 years with Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to ensure a sustainable supply.

"Biomass-based energy projects are the need of the hour for environmental conservation,” said Gurdeep Singh, National NTPC.

This initiative follows directions from Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, prompted by a proposal from Pasha Patel, Executive Chairman of the Chief Minister's Environment and Sustainable Development Task Force.

At a meeting attended Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) CEO Praveen Singh Pardeshi, NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh, Pasha Patel, and NTPC Solapur Project Head Tapan Kumar Bandopadhyay.

“The Solapur NTPC plant consumes 4 million tons of coal annually. By initially mixing 10% bamboo biomass, we will require approximately 400,000 tons of biomass annually. As bamboo availability increases, the mix can rise to 20–30% or higher,” said Singh.

He assured that NTPC is ready to purchase bamboo biomass immediately and sign long-term agreements with Farmer Producer Companies. "This initiative will directly benefit bamboo farmers in the Solapur, Latur, and Dharashiv districts," Singh emphasized.

Patel highlighted the potential, stating: ”If large-scale bamboo cultivation occurs near canals, roadsides, and fields, the Solapur NTPC plant can eventually transition entirely to bamboo biomass.”

Patel urged farmers to take advantage of subsidies, such as the Rs 7.04 lakh per hectare offered through MGNREGA. Additionally, he highlighted subsidy plans by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support bamboo cultivation for up to 10 hectares.

Patel elaborated on bamboo's versatility, from making fabric and daily-use items like toothbrushes and shaving kits to its application in construction. He explained that leftover bamboo could serve as fuel for energy projects after processing.

Pardeshi assured that the institution would provide the necessary support for bamboo cultivation and encouraged Farmer Producer Companies to take the lead. He also mentioned plans to provide machinery for processing bamboo biomass pellets through CSR initiatives.

The meeting also involved key officials like Solapur Zilla Parishad CEO Kuldeep Jangam, NTPC Regional Executive Director Kamlesh Soni, and representatives from MITRA and Farmer Producer Companies.

Fadnavis has committed to green Maharashtra by promoting bamboo-based energy production.

Following his December 26, 2024, letter to NTPC's chairman, this meeting was convened within a week to outline policies for farmers in the Dharashiv, Latur, and Solapur districts.

This historic step reflects the Chief Minister's vision and MITRA's dedication, marking a new era of sustainable energy and environmental conservation in Maharashtra.