As per the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP), Mr. R. K. Singh, the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, has conveyed that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy introduced the National Bioenergy Programme (NBP) in November 2022, covering the timeframe from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2026.
Divided into two phases, this initiative carries a budgetary allocation of Rs. 1,715 crore (US$ 207.16 million). The initial phase is granted a budget of Rs. 858 crore (US$ 103.64 million). This program aims to extend Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to establish Bioenergy plants.
Under the NBP guidelines, approvals have been granted for the establishment of six Bio-CNG plants and 11,143 small biogas plants. Notably, three bio-CNG plants are located in Maharashtra, with Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh each hosting one.
With a focus on promoting sustainable energy generation, the National Bioenergy Programme encourages the utilization of biomass sources such as surplus agricultural residue, agro-based industrial residue, industrial wood-waste, forest residue, and energy plantation-based biomass. It’s important to note that this approach is designed to ensure energy production without posing a risk of deforestation.
