Six coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) have received show-cause letters from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for noncompliance with obligatory biomass co-firing regulations. These plants, all within 300 kilometers of Delhi, have been given 15 days to explain their noncompliance. The move comes after a thorough analysis of the FY 2024–2025 compliance status, based on information provided by the Union Ministry of Power. The development has once again brought attention to how seriously regulators view biomass co-firing as a tool to curb air pollution and manage crop residue, as six coal-based NCR power plants face CAQM notices for missing statutory targets.

Regulatory Framework and Importance of Biomass Co-Firing

• The Environment (Utilization of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, required biomass co-firing.
• A minimum of 5% of biomass pellets or briquettes derived from crop residue must be used in all coal-based TPPs.
• A minimum co-firing level of 3% or more was mandated for FY 2024–2025 to avoid Environmental Compensation (EC).
• Ex-situ management of paddy straw, reduced stubble burning, and mitigation of severe air pollution in the NCR and surrounding areas are the main goals.

These legal requirements are an essential component of the area’s clean air plan, according to CAQM. There are already 11 coal-based TPPs operating 35 units with a total installed capacity of 13,575 MW within a 300-kilometer radius of Delhi. The six facilities under investigation recorded biomass co-firing levels much below the required limits during FY 2024–2025, despite repeated advisories. As six coal-based NCR power plants face CAQM notices, the Commission has emphasized that non-compliance undermines broader efforts to tackle seasonal pollution peaks linked to agricultural residue burning.

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Plants Issued Notices and Proposed Environmental Compensation

• It was discovered that six TPPs in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were non-compliant.
• Environmental Compensation (EC) sums based on the severity and length of infractions have been proposed by CAQM.
• Four facilities were reported for subpar performance earlier in 2024, and seven were instructed to guarantee compliance.
• Additionally, a special committee was established to review the FY 2024–2025 statements from non-compliant plants.

Despite frequent interactions and monitoring, CAQM reported that these plants’ compliance levels remained “unsatisfactory.” The Commission reaffirmed that biomass co-firing is an essential intervention to lower emissions from coal-based power generation, not merely a symbolic requirement. As six coal-based NCR power plants face CAQM notices, the regulator has signaled that continued lapses could invite stricter enforcement, reinforcing the role of power plants in addressing NCR’s persistent air quality challenges.

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