ROPAR: It is reported that private players are set to harness the advantages of biomass in Punjab.

It is expected that by the end of next year, they will generate 330 MW from biomass. Their proposed move will not only help in managing biomass in the state effectively, it can also turn out to be a money churner for the farmers, because in recent past the prices of some raw material have risen 5 to 6 times.

Among the major players who are coming up with biomass power projects are Green Planet Energy Private Limited, Turbo Atom TPS Projects Limited, PR Engineering Services, Orient Green Power Limited, Food Fats & Fertilizers Limited, Menakshi Infrastructure Limited etc.

At present the Ambuja Cement plant in Ropar is also utilizing biomass for its captive power plant. The use of biomass has brought respite for villagers around who find it difficult to manage agriculture waste and stock it. The plant is presently using 24 types of biomass at its captive power plant which has installed capacity of 30 MW. Presently it is generating 18 MW for Ropar plant and 4 MW for the Bathinda based Ambuja plant.