Torrefied biomass is a high-grade, solid biofuel made from biomass or agricultural residue through a thermochemical process. The end-product is a high-quality biofuel with far greater energy density than the original feedstock. TSPL is a highly advanced, supercritical thermal power plant and can only use high-grade biofuels such as torrefied biomass. With a capacity of 500 tons per day,the new biomass plant will convert agricultural stubble into clean-burning, carbon-neutral bio-pellets, offering a sustainable alternative to coal.
Punjab generates nearly 15-20 million tons of crop stubble (parali) annually. Much of this is traditionally burned in the fields, contributing to severe seasonal air pollution across North India. With this use of biomass in its fuel mix, TSPL will decrease its carbon footprint in two ways.
First, TSPL had procured over 8 lakh tons of agricultural stubble in the paddy season, for conversion into approximately 6.4 lakh tons of torrefied bio-pellets. Secondly, the company will reduce 5% use of coal daily by replacing a portion of coal with this carbon neutral alternative. These two pathways together, will potentially avert nearly 2.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions.
Additionally, TSPL co-fires 450 tons of torrefied biomass daily procured from open markets and made from crop stubble. This is creating an ecosystem for farmers to divert their crop stubble into remunerative avenues, rather than burning it and causing massive air pollution. TSPL will continue its biomass co-firing initiative, contributing directly to the decarbonization of thermal power generation.
The torrefied bio-pellets are produced from agricultural stubble sourced through TSPL’s extensive stubble management campaign. TSPL’s broader stubble management drive, aims to curb open-field burning, improve air quality, and accelerate the state’s clean energy transition, positioning the company as a key player in sustainable biomass-based solutions.
Emphasizing the role of industrial stewardship in driving environmental innovation, Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman of PPCB, commented, “The commissioning of these biomass plants reflects the kind of collaborative innovation required to improve air quality across Punjab and neighbouring states. By utilizing agricultural stubble in the form of torrefied bio-pellets, TSPL is significantly reducing coal consumption and advancing environmental compliance in thermal power generation. Their leadership in facilitating this developmentunderscores the impact of proactive industrial action in driving environmental transformation.”
The development of the new facilities is being recognized as a model for how industry-led facilitation, sustainable innovation, and regulatory alignment can work in tandem, within conventional energy systems, to integrate sustainable practices and accelerate clean energy adoption.
