Solapur: In a significant step towards sustainable energy production, NTPC Solapur has announced its decision to use bamboo biomass in its power generation process. This innovative initiative will see NTPC purchasing bamboo biomass from farmers, blending it with coal to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly energy solutions.
NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh revealed the plan during a meeting attended by prominent officials, including Pasha Patel, Executive Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Sustainable Development, and Praveensingh Pardeshi, CEO of Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA).
“To begin with, NTPC will procure bamboo biomass through long-term agreements with farmer producer companies (FPCs) for the next 50 years,” Singh announced. He added that NTPC Solapur, which currently consumes 40 million tons of coal annually, will initially replace 10% of this with bamboo biomass, requiring approximately 4 million tons annually.
Direct Benefits for Farmers
This decision is a game-changer for bamboo farmers. Singh emphasized, “As bamboo availability increases, the biomass proportion in power generation will also be scaled up to 20-30% or more. NTPC is committed to purchasing bamboo biomass directly through FPCs, ensuring a stable market for farmers.”
State Support for Bamboo Cultivation
The initiative has received strong backing from the Maharashtra government. Praveensingh Pardeshi assured that MITRA would provide necessary support for bamboo cultivation, encouraging FPCs in Solapur, Latur, and Dharashiv districts to spearhead this initiative. Additionally, NTPC has committed to providing CSR funds for necessary machinery to facilitate bamboo biomass production.
Opportunities for Farmers
Pasha Patel highlighted that farmers can receive subsidies of ₹7.04 lakh per hectare for bamboo cultivation under the MGNREGA scheme. He further announced an upcoming subsidy program from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support bamboo cultivation up to 10 hectares.
A Win-Win for Sustainability and Economy
Bamboo biomass not only offers a sustainable energy alternative but also opens up opportunities for additional income through its byproducts, such as building materials, daily-use items, and energy sources. Farmers are now optimistic about bamboo cultivation, which was previously hindered by market uncertainties.
Future Vision
With sufficient bamboo cultivation in Solapur, Latur, and Dharashiv districts, NTPC aims to transform its Solapur plant into a bamboo biomass-based power generation facility. This initiative is a milestone in promoting renewable energy and supporting farmers.
The meeting concluded with positive feedback from farmer representatives, who welcomed NTPC’s assurance of a 50-year procurement agreement, ensuring a secure market for their bamboo produce.
This collaborative effort between NTPC, MITRA, and Maharashtra farmers marks a historic step towards sustainable development, benefiting both the environment and rural livelihoods.