MNRE reports progress on 118 biomass briquette and pellet projects
Author: PPD Team Date: July 29, 2025
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released a status update on biomass briquette and pellet manufacturing projects, reporting that 118 projects have been sanctioned under its support programme.
Of these, 48 projects have completed inspections. Out of those, 32 have uploaded the required Stage-2 documentation to the designated BioURJ portal. Sixteen inspected projects are still pending document submission. In addition, four applicants have requested closure of their projects, and two have applied to relocate their proposed plants.
Based on the current figures, 64 projects remain to be inspected. This number reflects the difference between the total sanctioned projects and those already inspected, closed, or marked for relocation.
State-wise count of sanctioned bioenergy projects and pending inspections, July 2025:
The ministry has specified that each project shall undergo a performance inspection within 18 months of either commissioning or receiving “In-Principle” approval, whichever occurs later. This process is meant to verify technical and operational standards before the release of Central Financial Assistance (CFA). The Secretary of MNRE may approve extensions in cases where delays are beyond the developer’s control.
Performance testing criteria for briquette and pellet plants include sustained production benchmarks. Each plant must run at 80 per cent of its rated capacity for three consecutive days, assuming a 16-hour workday. Separately, they must maintain an average of 70 per cent capacity over three consecutive months. Projects that do not meet these performance levels may face delays in CFA disbursement.
The initiative is part of MNRE’s broader strategy to support bioenergy and reduce dependency on conventional fuels. By encouraging the use of agricultural and industrial waste for fuel production, the scheme aims to contribute to India’s renewable energy targets while improving waste management practices.
Developers have been advised to adhere to the documentation and performance timelines to ensure timely project completion and funding release.
