What are the BIS standards and testing protocols for solid biofuels in India?
🔥 Key Points on Solid Biofuels & Indian Standards (IS)
🌱 1. Importance of Solid Biofuels
- Solid biofuels (pellets, briquettes, and raw biomass) are crucial for renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction.
- India produces 755 million tonnes of biomass annually, with 228 million tonnes surplus, which can replace coal in thermal power plants.
📜 2. National Policies & SAMARTH Mission
- The SAMARTH Mission was launched to promote biomass co-firing in thermal power plants.
- The 2021 policy mandates 5-7% biomass co-firing in coal-based power plants.
- In 2023, the policy was revised to include bamboo and by-products for biomass pellet manufacturing.
🏗️ 3. BIS Standardization & Testing Framework
- BIS has developed 95 standards under PCD 7 (Solid Biofuels Sectional Committee).
- 18 standards focus on solid biofuels, covering:
- Sampling methods 🏗️
- Testing & classification 🏭
- Calorific value determination 🔥
- Ash content & moisture analysis 💧
🛠 4. BIS Standards for Solid Biofuels
| IS Code | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 18721:2024 | Solid Biofuels – Vocabulary |
| IS 18640:2024 | Solid Biofuels – Sample Preparation |
| IS 17654:2021 | Determination of Calorific Value |
| IS 3810 (Part 2):2002 | Methods for Fuel Analysis |
| IS 460 (Part 1):2020 | Test Sieves Specification |
🔬 5. Testing & Certification System
- 21 NABL-accredited labs identified for biomass pellet testing.
- Bankable project reports and loan schemes launched for pellet plants.
- Quality checks include:
- Moisture Content (Drying Analysis)
- Bulk Density
- Particle Size Distribution
- Ash Melting Behavior
- Impurities & Chemical Composition
🔄 6. Biomass Co-firing in Thermal Power Plants
- Coal & biomass co-firing reduces GHG emissions and utilizes agri-waste.
- BIS-issued SOPs guide plants on biomass procurement & handling.
- Pellet procurement is now available on the ‘GeM’ portal for easier transactions.
📈 7. Industry Impact & Future Developments
- Extended Storage Infrastructure under ISAM scheme.
- Trading of agro-residue as a commodity enabled on e-NAM portal.
- Exclusive financial grants & loan schemes for biomass pellet plants.
📚 Source Reference
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Solid Biofuels Compendium (2025)