Achieving Large-Scale Adoption of Sustainable Alternatives Requires a Comprehensive Approach

“The sustainability landscape in the coming years will likely shift towards a more integrated approach to carbon trading and offset markets, particularly through carbon credits generated by bioenergy projects. Firms that generate biochar, sequester carbon, or use renewable biomass can contribute to India’s efforts to create a vibrant carbon market. India’s Long-Term Low- Carbon Strategy will likely encourage the use of carbon markets to finance decarbonization efforts across sectors, aligning with global trends toward net-zero emissions,” shares Lt Col Monish Ahuja (Retd), CMD, M/s Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. (PRESPL) and Chairman, Confederation of Biomass Energy Industry of India (CBEII), during this interview. 

What exactly are sustainable business practices?

I believe in ‘Keep It Sweet and Simple’ philosophy when it comes to sustainable technology adoption. This needs to be actionable and within your Scope 1 targets and externally achieve Scope 2 & 3 mission reduction. When it comes to biomass industry, compliances of EHSG & sustainable biomass-bioenergy are with critical aspect being the sustainability & delivery of energy in a cost effective manner & more importantly has to be reliable clean energy. It’s more important to ‘Walk the Talk’. The green washing & eyewash of processes by large corporations is sad & deplorable to say the least.

The recent accidents in boiler operations across India & with large corporations makes it evident that laid out processes & procedures are not being implemented in their entirety. There needs to be strict actions against companies where the cause of accidents is owing to the lack of safety measures & lack of proper procedures being implemented. The accidents which have resulted in loss of life, loss of limbs & loss of plant operations, loss of revenue -> merits a deep-dive audit, rectification, review across India for safety & more particularly EHSG compliant operations is paramount.

As we delve into the diverse applications of biomass across various industry sectors, such as Boiler Plant Operations, CBG, 2G Ethanol, and Green Hydrogen, it’s crucial to maintain a strong focus on Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices amidst this rapid transformation. The shift towards organized processes underscores the significance of prioritizing human safety alongside operational advancements.

What challenges are companies facing in shifting gears to more sustainable alternatives?

Shifting to more sustainable alternatives presents multifaceted challenges, especially when dealing with a highly decentralized supplier base, such as farmers spread across 18 states. These farmers operate in hinterlands, which are often remote and difficult to access, making the implementation of sustainability initiatives logistically challenging.

The agricultural sector in these regions is primarily unorganized, with traditional practices deeply ingrained. This means that convincing farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable methods, such as waste management and bioenergy practices, requires significant effort in education, training, and infrastructure development.

Additionally, local politics play a significant role in influencing farmer decisions. Politicians, especially in rural areas, often have substantial sway over farming communities, making it difficult for companies to directly engage with the farmers without navigating complex political dynamics. These power structures can delay or even derail sustainability initiatives if they are seen as threatening local interests or control.

Economic constraints also hinder progress. Many farmers are financially dependent on seasonal yields and may resist change due to the perceived risks associated with adopting new, sustainable methods. Without guaranteed economic incentives or subsidies, sustainability goals such as ESG practices remain secondary priorities for these farmers.

As a result, achieving large-scale adoption of sustainable alternatives requires a comprehensive approach involving government support, awareness campaigns, and long-term investments in rural infrastructure. The shift to ESG-aligned practices will take years, if not decades, to fully materialize across such a vast and decentralized sector.

Can you share with us a success story where sustainability has proven to be a great business model too?

The traditional Indian cremation process consumes approximately 400-600 kg of wood per funeral—equivalent to the destruction of two fully grown trees— and requires 5 to 6 hours to complete. This method places a significant burden on fast-depleting natural resources while contributing to environmental degradation.

However, biomass briquettes, a biofuel made from compressed agricultural waste such as straw, sugarcane bagasse, coconut husks, rice husks, maize stalks, and groundnut shells, are emerging as a promising, eco-friendly alternative to wood. These briquettes not only offer a renewable energy source but also help offset the reliance on increasingly expensive and scarce traditional fuels.

From agricultural waste to innovative waste-to-energy solutions, biofuels present a viable path toward reducing environmental impact. PRESPL, a leading player in the biomass sector, processes 600 tonnes of biomass daily and has pioneered a successful model in collaboration with the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. Between November 2022 and July 2023, they replaced wood with biomass briquettes across 62 pyres at 24 crematoriums, facilitating over 1,000 cremations. Today this number stands at more than 5000+ Eco-cremation done in Aurangabad.

This model, if expanded nationwide, holds immense potential for both environmental and economic benefits. India witnesses approximately 10 million deaths annually, with 75% of the deceased being cremated. Each cremation typically consumes 400-500 kg of wood, whereas biomass briquettes, offering a higher calorific value (3600-3800 kCal per kg compared to wood’s 2500-3000 kCal), allow for a reduction in fuel quantity. Additionally, biomass briquettes are significantly more affordable, with prices ranging from ?7.0 to ? 8.0 per kg, compared to wood prices of ?10 to ?20 per kg.

The use of biomass briquettes not only preserves forests but also supports the rural biomass briquetting industry by providing an avenue for disposing of agricultural residues. The burgeoning industry, which has seen rapid growth thanks to evolving supply chain solutions, is solving critical issues in demand and supply through platforms like BiofuelCircle. This 3-year-old start-up connects farmers with buyers, boasting over 6,000 users who have traded 3 million tons of 70 varieties of biomass briquettes.

The increasing demand for agri-residue briquettes, especially for alternative uses like cremation, presents a significant opportunity for expanding the industry and supporting rural economies. By adopting such sustainable alternatives, India can reduce its environmental footprint while promoting economic growth in rural areas. This transition, as championed by industry leaders like PRESPL, represents a major step forward in reducing wood dependency, protecting forests, and fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for a deeply traditional practice.

What is the current state of bioenergy in India and the shaping up trends in biofuels, CBG, and biomass for power generation and industrial heating?

India’s bioenergy sector has undergone substantial growth due to a combination of government policies and rising market demands. Several key initiatives have been introduced to boost bioenergy production, particularly from agricultural waste and industrial by-products, making bioenergy a critical component of the country’s renewable energy strategy.

The Indian Government has introduced several initiatives to support bioenergy, including the National Bioenergy Programme, which encourages biomass power generation and biofuel production from agricultural and industrial residues. The SATAT Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to set up 5,000 CBG (Compressed Biogas) plants to produce clean energy alternatives such as CBG, which also helps reduce pollution caused by the burning of agricultural waste. Additionally, the National Policy on Biofuels 2018 targets the use of biofuels to replace conventional fossil fuels, aiming for a 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by 2025-26.

The growth of biomass power is being propelled by mandates for co-firing biomass pellets with coal in thermal power plants. Starting in 2024, thermal power plants are required to co-fire at least 5% biomass, with this target rising to 10% by 2025. Biomass co-firing helps to reduce reliance on coal, lower emissions, and improve energy security. The government has also established benchmark pricing to stabilize the market for biomass pellets, ensuring that pellet production and procurement are financially viable.

The push for CBG production is another key trend in India’s bioenergy landscape. With its ability to replace conventional CNG in transportation and other sectors, CBG is viewed as a sustainable energy source that also addresses the environmental problem of agricultural residue burning. The expansion of CBG production facilities aligns with India’s goals to reduce its carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.

While the bioenergy sector shows great promise, challenges remain. These include logistical difficulties in aggregating biomass, high transportation costs, and the decentralized nature of the agricultural sector. Technological advancements, such as pelletization and briquetting of biomass, are helping to address these issues by improving the efficiency of biomass handling and usage. Platforms linking farmers with industrial buyers are also helping to streamline the supply chain and ensure a steady supply of biomass for energy production.

What are the innovative technologies that have the potential to make a significant impact in the bioenergy sector?

Innovative technologies in the bioenergy sector are rapidly evolving, providing enhanced solutions for biomass conversion, energy production, and sustainability. Beyond the core technologies like briquetting, pelleting, and boiler designs, several additional advancements are poised to significantly impact the sector.

Briquetting is the process of compressing biomass materials, such as agricultural residues, into compact and uniform shapes. Innovations in this field focus on improving the efficiency and scalability of briquette production. Modern high-pressure briquetting machines offer enhanced compaction, producing denser briquettes that burn longer and produce less ash. This technology is critical for reducing transportation and storage costs while making biomass more suitable for industrial applications like power generation and heating. The latest advancements also enable the use of a wider variety of raw materials, including crop residues, forest waste, and even municipal waste, making it a versatile technology.

Pelleting involves compressing biomass into small, dense pellets that are easy to store, transport, and use in a variety of applications. Innovations in pelletization technology include the development of high-capacity pellet mills that can process large volumes of biomass efficiently. These mills incorporate better heat management and improved binding agents that enhance the durability and calorific value of pellets. Innovations in raw material processing, such as torrefaction, help to pre-treat biomass, making the pellets more energy-dense and resistant to moisture, which increases their combustion efficiency in boilers and power plants.

Boilers are essential for converting biomass into heat or electricity. Modern biomass boilers have undergone significant advancements, with innovations focusing on improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. Fluidized bed boilers and gasification-based boilers are two key innovations. Fluidized bed boilers allow for more efficient burning of low-quality fuels like biomass by maintaining a consistent combustion temperature. Gasification technology converts biomass into syngas, which can be used to produce electricity or heat with minimal emissions. These boiler designs are also equipped with advanced controls that allow for better regulation of temperature, pressure, and fuel supply, ensuring optimal efficiency and lower operational costs.

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment (pyrolysis). It has multiple applications, including soil enhancement, carbon sequestration, and as a bioenergy feedstock. Innovations in biochar production focus on improving the pyrolysis process to increase yields and energy efficiency. Modern biochar production units use integrated energy recovery systems to capture the heat generated during pyrolysis and repurpose it for electricity or heating. Biochar is also being increasingly used in carbon markets, as it can lock carbon in the soil for long periods, contributing to carbon offset efforts. Enhanced pyrolysis technologies allow for the production of biochar from a wide variety of biomass, including agricultural waste, forestry by-products, and even urban organic waste.

Integrated biochar systems are being developed, where the heat produced during biochar production is captured and used for energy purposes, creating a closed-loop system that maximizes resource efficiency. Biochar’s ability to sequester carbon for long periods also makes it a valuable tool in efforts to combat climate change by creating carbon credits and participating in carbon markets.

While not directly a bioenergy production technology, blockchain is being used to ensure traceability in biomass supply chains. It allows companies to verify the source, quality, and environmental impact of the biomass they use, ensuring that they meet sustainability goals. Blockchain technology enhances transparency, helping producers, suppliers, and consumers track biomass from its origin to its final use, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving supply chain efficiency.

The integration of bioenergy with other renewable sources such as solar and wind through hybrid energy systems is also gaining attention. These systems combine different energy sources to ensure a more reliable and consistent energy output. For instance, biomass can be used to provide baseload power, while solar and wind contribute during peak times. Such hybrid systems optimize the use of renewable resources and enhance the overall energy efficiency of industrial plants or power stations.

Moreover, combustion optimization technologies are being integrated into modern boilers to ensure better fuel-to-air ratios, which minimizes emissions and maximizes energy output. Gasification boilers, for example, use advanced sensors and controls to regulate the gasification process, converting biomass into syngas with high efficiency. This syngas can then be used in combined heat and power (CHP) plants, offering higher efficiency rates than traditional combustion methods.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing biomass supply chains. AI-driven systems can optimize the collection, transportation, and storage of biomass, reducing costs and improving efficiency. IoT sensors monitor moisture levels, temperature, and biomass quality in real-time, ensuring that feedstock is stored and used optimally to prevent degradation. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms are being employed to predict biomass availability and optimize plant operations, ensuring a steady supply of biomass for energy production. This reduces downtime and maximizes the operational efficiency of bioenergy plants.

Algae cultivation for bioenergy is gaining traction due to its high yield and ability to absorb CO2 during growth. Algae can be processed into biofuels, biogas, and even bioplastics. The integration of algae in bioenergy systems represents a promising way to generate energy while also addressing carbon emissions.

Photobioreactor technology for algae production is improving, allowing for better light penetration, temperature control, and nutrient management. This results in faster growth cycles and higher biomass yields, making algae an increasingly viable option for large-scale bioenergy production.

Pyrolysis is evolving with the introduction of modular pyrolysis units, which can be deployed in remote locations to convert biomass into bio-oil, biochar, and syngas. These units are especially useful in rural areas where transporting large amounts of raw biomass is logistically challenging. The decentralized nature of these units ensures that energy production can occur close to the biomass source, reducing transportation emissions and costs.

Gasification systems are also seeing improvements, with the development of small-scale gasifiers that can convert biomass into clean syngas for rural electrification. These systems can be integrated into microgrids, providing reliable energy to communities that are not connected to the national grid.

How blockchain technology is being used to ensure traceability in supply chains?

In biomass supply chains, where agri-waste is aggregated from farmers, processed, and delivered to clients for fossil fuel replacement, ensuring transparency and traceability is critical. Blockchain technology is playing a transformative role in this process by providing an immutable, transparent ledger that tracks every step of the supply chain. The journey begins with aggregating agri-waste from decentralized farming communities. Blockchain enables the capture of key data points such as the origin of the biomass, type of crop residue, quantity collected, and the farmer’s details. This information is securely recorded in a distributed ledger, accessible to all stakeholders, ensuring that every biomass batch can be traced back to its source.

At collection centres, blockchain further ensures that the handling and transportation of the agri-waste are documented. Information about storage conditions, transportation routes, and timing is logged in real-time. This enables better tracking of biomass as it moves through the supply chain, preventing discrepancies and ensuring quality control. When the biomass is processed and densified (for example, into briquettes or pellets), blockchain tracks the transformation process, including the methods used and any quality assessments. Each step is digitally verified, ensuring that the end product meets the desired specifications for replacing fossil fuels.

Finally, blockchain technology enables traceability up to the client delivery point. Clients can access detailed records of the entire supply chain—from the farm to the processing facility to their location—ensuring confidence in the sustainability, quality, and compliance of the biomass they receive. This transparent process fosters trust and accountability, essential for scaling the use of biomass as a renewable energy alternative.

Please enlighten us on government policies and perspectives regarding innovations in bioenergy…

Government has set its sight on India being carbon neutral by 2070 & for the same sustainable Biomass – Bioenergy is recognized as an important component and contributor for the set target. Multiple Ministries have set roadmaps for use of Biomass with support for R&D and innovations, in technology, processes, supply chain management, equipment development & deployment, financial engineering and innovation, bio-technology development amongst many more segments which are being supported.

Global Biofuels Alliance, GBA which is the key takeaway from India’s G20 Presidency, and more recently the approval for the GBA secretariat to be established in India paves the way for a full-time global office to further the developments in Bioenergy. Support for new technologies development, financial assistance, calls for startups to work in the Biofuels and Bioenergy sectors and fostering innovation along with sustainable development are amongst the agenda being pursued with a long term vision of energy independence for India.

How can firms like yours help companies in their decarbonization journey? What action steps they can take to harness sustainability?

Firms like PRESPL can play a pivotal role in helping companies decarbonize their operations by leveraging the use of biomass, an eco-friendly and renewable energy source, in place of fossil fuels. Here’s how PRESPL, with its established biomass supply chain and focus on steam production, can assist companies in their decarbonization journey.

PRESPL can help companies replace fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas with biomass for energy production, particularly in steam generation. Biomass is considered carbon-neutral because the CO? released during combustion is offset by the CO? absorbed by plants during their growth. By integrating biomass into a company’s energy system, firms can drastically reduce their carbon footprint, as the carbon emitted is not new but part of the natural carbon cycle. This shift directly contributes to lowering Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources).

One of the most significant contributions PRESPL can offer is the displacement of fossil fuels. Every ton of biomass that replaces coal, for example, avoids the release of stored carbon from fossil fuel sources, significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. PRESPL’s expertise in sourcing and processing biomass from agricultural waste and residues can allow companies to transition seamlessly from fossil fuel-based systems to cleaner, renewable energy sources.

PRESPL’s use of agricultural residues as a biomass feedstock also helps in reducing methane emissions. When organic waste decomposes naturally, it releases methane, a potent GHG. By diverting this waste for energy production, companies can prevent methane from entering the atmosphere, thereby contributing to overall GHG reduction efforts. This is particularly important in sectors like agriculture, where methane emissions are a major environmental concern.

PRESPL’s use of biomass in steam production offers a direct pathway for industries reliant on thermal energy to decarbonize. Biomass boilers and steam systems can replace coal- or gas-fired systems, providing the same level of efficiency with fewer emissions. PRESPL’s advanced boiler systems and integration of biomass supply chains ensure that companies can achieve the desired thermal energy output without compromising operational efficiency.

Another innovative action PRESPL can facilitate is the production of biochar during the biomass combustion process. Biochar is a carbon-rich by-product that can be used to enhance soil health while simultaneously sequestering carbon, locking it away from the atmosphere for centuries. This adds an additional layer of carbon reduction, beyond merely replacing fossil fuels, enabling companies to potentially earn carbon credits through biochar applications.

PRESPL’s technical expertise allows companies to quantify GHG reductions effectively. With an annual usage of 2.5 lakh tons of biomass, PRESPL can calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO?e) emissions avoided by replacing fossil fuels. For example, replacing coal with biomass can lead to an estimated reduction of 1.8 to 2.5 tons of CO? per ton of biomass used, depending on the type of biomass and combustion efficiency. This not only helps in meeting sustainability goals but also enhances a company’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials.

How do you foresee the sustainability landscape moving from here on?

The sustainability landscape is poised for a transformation, with bioenergy and other renewable sources playing an increasingly critical role in global and national strategies for decarbonization. The emphasis is on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting circular economies, and integrating innovative technologies to achieve long-term environmental goals. Here’s a strategic outlook for the sustainability movement in India, grounded in current policies, emerging trends, and the data shared:

India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions is solidified through its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Bioenergy Programme, and the Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy. These initiatives target a transition to renewable energy sources, with biomass taking a central role in decarbonizing energy systems. The push for bioenergy aligns with India’s broader climate goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, as announced during the COP26 Summit. The government is mandating the blending of biomass with coal in thermal power plants and expanding CBG production as part of its Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative.

At the national level, the use of biomass is gaining traction due to its carbon neutrality, especially when substituting for coal and natural gas in industrial applications. As discussed, biomass captures CO? during plant growth, which is then released when used as fuel, creating a closed carbon loop. By utilizing 2.5 lakh tons of biomass annually, firms like PRESPL are setting the example for large-scale industrial decarbonization. The national strategy is moving towards scaling such efforts across sectors, with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting job creation in rural areas through biomass collection and processing.

The recent Ministry of Power’s revised biomass policy mandating 5-10% biomass co-firing in thermal power plants by 2025 is a significant step forward. This policy will likely expand to other industries, pushing them toward greater use of biomass-derived fuels and enhancing demand for technologies like briquetting and pelleting. As biomass densification technologies improve, the cost of producing biofuels like briquettes and pellets will fall, making them more attractive for industrial and power applications.

In the coming years, technological innovations will be key drivers of sustainability. Innovations in pelleting, briquetting, and boiler technologies will make biomass utilization more efficient and cost-effective, enabling industries to meet their energy needs with fewer emissions. Advanced gasification technologies that convert biomass into syngas for electricity generation will likely see increased adoption, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional energy grids. Moreover, innovations in biochar production can help industries sequester carbon while enhancing soil quality, making this a dual-use technology for energy and environmental sustainability.

The National Bioenergy Programme will continue to promote biomass in industries where waste generation is significant, offering financial incentives for industries that adopt sustainable waste-to-energy practices. As global markets demand more sustainable products, companies in India will have to align their supply chains and energy practices with international standards, making sustainability a competitive advantage. This will lead to an increase in green investments, with companies seeking to adopt bioenergy technologies to enhance their ESG performance.