CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -In May 2021, to address the issue of air pollution due to farm stubble burning and to reduce carbon footprints of thermal power generation, Ministry of Power decided to set up a National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -The “National Mission on use of biomass in thermal power plants” will have the following objectives; (a) To increase the level of co-firing from present 5% to higher levels to have a larger share of carbon neutral power generation from the thermal power plants.

Detailed explanation-3: -Benefits of using biomass pellets co-firing in Coal based power plants a) Eliminate/minimize burning of agro-residue and create economic value of agro residue by promoting its use as fuel in power plants in co-firing mode. b) Improve the air quality index while creating additional income for farmers.

Detailed explanation-4: -In the beginning, 5 per cent biomass co-firing may be made mandatory in areas where crop burning is prevalent. It may then be adopted throughout India. The Union Ministry of Power recently mandated 5-10 per cent co-firing at every thermal power plant in the country.

Detailed explanation-5: -About SAMARTH It was created to address the issue of air pollution from stubble burning in farms and reduce the carbon footprint generated by thermal power plants which work on coal. It is a government initiative to use agro-residue, which was earlier regarded as waste.