India enhances guidelines for waste-to-energy projects

The revisions aim to develop a more efficient ecosystem for the energy generation technology.

India has revised guidelines for its waste-to-energy programme under the National Bioenergy Programme.

In a statement, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said, “these revisions aim to foster a more efficient, transparent, and performance-oriented ecosystem for Bio Waste to Energy deployment in India.”

The revised framework has made several changes to expedite processes, encouraging more investments. This will also enable small businesses to enhance their production of CBG, Biogas & Power.

A key highlight of the revised guidelines is the improved system for releasing Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Considering the challenges faced by the developers to achieve 80% generation, flexible provisions have been made in the Scheme for the release of CFA based on plant performance.

There is a provision to release the assistance in two stages: Based on performance of the projects, 50% of total CFA will be released after obtaining the Consent to Operate certificate from State Pollution Control Board, against the bank guarantee, and the balance after achieving the 80% of the rated capacity or the maximum CFA eligible capacity, whichever is lesser.

“Even if a plant does not achieve 80% generation for both conditions above during performance inspection, provision is made for pro-rata based disbursement based on the percentage output. However, no CFA will be given if the PLF is <50%,” the ministry noted.

The inspection process has also been refined to ensure greater credibility, transparency and accountability. The revised norms mandate joint inspections led by the National Institute of Bio-Energy, along with any one agency amongst respective State Nodal Agencies, Biogas Technology Development Centers, or any agency empanelled by MNRE.

For developers not opting for advanced CFA, only a single performance inspection is required, reducing procedural delays.

“The revision introduced provides the flexibility to the project developers in claiming CFA either within 18 months from the date of commissioning, or from the date of In-principle approval of CFA, whichever is later,” the ministry said.