3/4/2003-CPG

Government of India

Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

(Power Group)

*********

Block No. 14, C.G.O. Complex,

Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003.

 

                                                                               Dated :  21.07.2003

To

 

1.      Chief Secretaries of State Governments

2.      Heads of State Nodal Departments/ Agencies/ Implementing Agencies

3.      Heads of Financial Institutions

4.      Chairmen of State Electricity Boards / Transcos/ Gencos

 

Sub:-   Biomass Energy and Co-generation Programmes – Administrative Approval for the year 2003-04 – regarding.

 

Sir,

 

I am directed to convey the sanction of the Government of India to the implementation of Biomass Energy and Co-generation Programmes during the year 2003-04 incorporating the following Programmes:-

 

I.          Biomass Power/Co-generation Programme.

            II.          Biomass Gasifier Programme.          

 

2.         The Schemes provides for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) in the form of Grants-in-Aid and Subsidies in respect of the following activities under the Programmes:

 

i)          Biomass Resource Assessment

ii)         Research and Development

iii)         Technology Development and Commercialisation

iv)        Village Electrification

v)         Commercial Projects

vi)        Promotional Activities

 

3.         Objectives

 

i)          To assess the biomass resource potential and develop Biomass Resource Atlas for India

ii)         To support Research and Development, Applied R&D and development of technologies for various end-use applications

iii)                 To support Demonstration and Field trials with a view to promote commercial development

iv)        To intensify electrification of remote villages through biomass based technologies

v)         To promote commercial grid-connected projects including captive power generation

vi)        To expand local manufacturing capacity and service facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.         Biomass Power / Cogeneration – Programme Components

 

The biomass power/cogeneration programme will be implemented with the following components:

 

4.1       Biomass Resource Assessment:

 

Taluka level biomass resource assessment studies were undertaken during the 9th Plan covering 500 talukas.   District level biomass assessment studies have been taken up in the 10th Plan in 12 potential States, following such district level studies undertaken in 3 States during the 9th Plan. The inputs from the taluka level and district level studies will be utilized in preparing a Biomass Resource Atlas for India.  District level studies in six States have already been initiated and studies in the remaining six States will be undertaken during the current year.  Support will be continued for the project on preparation of Biomass Resource Atlas for India.

 

Grants-in-Aid of upto Rs. 1.00 lakh per district will be provided for the district level studies on lump sum basis to the implementing technical institutions / consultancy organizations towards cost for manpower, travel, documentation, institutional overheads, etc.   An initial release of upto 50% will be made, with the balance to be released, linked with progress.

 

4.2       Research and Development:

 

Biomass power generation based on woody biomass and crop residues has made considerable progress in India, based mainly on direct combustion, atmospheric pressure gasification and cogeneration technologies. It is proposed to support research and development projects to upgrade the existing technologies, improve capacity utilization, and develop more efficient and cost-effective new technology routes.  Grants-in-Aid will continue to be provided during the year depending on the progress of the R&D projects on Strategic Development of Bioenergy which entails development of various technology packages for industrial applications and power generation, and Advanced Biomass Gasification which aims at development of high pressure gasifiers to be coupled with gas turbine engines.

 

4.3       Commercial Projects:

 

            Commercial projects based on forestry and crop residues, energy plantations, and forestry / agro industrial residues will be based on different technology configurations for power generation and cogeneration of capacity 1MW and above, captive and /or grid connected will be provided Central Financial Assistance in the form of interest subsidy or capital subsidy depending upon the type of project.  CFA for commercial projects taken up by promoters, developers and entrepreneurs will be routed through financial institutions, nationalized banks, industrial development / investment corporations, State / public sector Financing and Leasing Corporations.    Fossil fuel upto 25% will be allowed in biomass power and bagasse cogeneration projects as support fuel to achieve extended operating days in a year.   

 

Release of Interest Subsidy to the Financial Institutions will be made, on pro-rata basis, linked with sum total of disbursal of loans, as certified by the FI(s). In case of more than one Financial Institution providing term loan to a project, the application should preferably be made by the Lead Financial Institution. Application for claiming financial incentives of the projects should be made within one year of the date of achieving financial closure for full term loan.  In case of more than one FI, the date of loan agreement for the last component of the term loan will be considered for eligibility.

 

            Application for interest subsidy should be made through the concerned FI in the prescribed formats given in Parts A, B & C of Annexure-I.

 

4.3.1    Bagasse Cogeneration Projects

 

Optimum bagasse cogeneration projects have started to pick up in private sector sugar mills.  The thrust of the programme will be to accelerate development of projects in cooperative, public and joint sector sugar mills.  CFA in the form of interest subsidy will be provided for bagasse cogeneration project on the following pattern.

 

S. No.

Bagasse Co-generation

Pressure

Configuration

Interest

Subsidy

1.

Projects by Cooperative/Public/ Joint Sector Sugar Mills

40 bar & above

3%

 

60 bar & above

4%

 

80 bar & above

5%

100 bar& above

6%

2.

Projects in IPP Mode in Cooperative/Public / Joint Sector Sugar Mills

 

 

                          

60 bar & above

2%

 

80 bar & above

3%

 

100 bar& above

4%

3.

Projects by Private Sector Sugar Mills

60 bar & above

1%

80 bar & above

2%

100 bar& above

3%

 

For projects by cooperative/ public sector/ joint sector sugar mills in the first category, the floor rate of interest shall not be lower than 6%.  For projects under the other two categories, a floor rate interest of 8% shall apply.  The maximum amount of capitalized interest subsidy to a bagasse cogeneration project shall be limited to Rs.4.00 Crore.

 

4.3.2    Biomass Power Projects

 

Grid connected biomass power projects       based on direct combustion have started to pick up in several potential States. While it is intended to continue support to these projects, it is proposed to encourage biomass cogeneration projects and grid connected projects based on atmospheric pressure gasification technologies.  Biomass power projects for captive power generation are also proposed to be encouraged.   Interest subsidy is proposed to be provided for the above categories of projects.  In addition, it is proposed to support a limited number of projects during the 10th Plan based on MW scale 100% producer gas engine technologies and advanced biomass gasification technologies i.e. the three different technology routes of Biomass Integrated Gasification-cum-Gas Turbine Combined Cycle (IGCC); Integrated Pyrolysis Combined Cycle  (IPCC); and MW-scale reciprocating engines with very high diesel replacement exceeding 90%. Capital subsidy is proposed to be provided for such projects.  A total of five projects with not more than two projects in a State based on MW scale 100% producer gas engine, and a total of three projects, with not more than one project in a State, based on each of the three ABG technology routes, will be supported during the 10th Plan. 

 

 

S.

No.

Biomass Power

Pressure

Configuration

Interest

Subsidy

1.

Direct combustion, cogeneration, including captive power projects

60 bar & above

2%

80 bar & above

3%

 

2.

Atmospheric gasification, including captive power projects

--

2%

3.

Projects with MW-Scale 100% Producer Gas Engines

Capital Subsidy of Rs.1.00 Cr./MW

4.

Advanced biomass gasification projects

Capital Subsidy of Rs.1.00 Cr./MW

 

An additional interest subsidy @ 2% will be provided with floor rate of interest not lower than 6% for Biomass Power/ Co-generation Projects in all Special Category States, and Islands (excluding those Islands which are Union Territories).  The floor rate of interest for other categories of projects shall not be lower than 8%. The maximum amount of capitalized interest subsidy for any biomass power project shall be limited to Rs. 2.00 Crore.  A total capacity not exceeding 100 MW shall be supported in any State during the 10th Plan.  The capital subsidy to projects based on MW scale 100% producer gas engines shall not exceed Rs. 2.00 Crore per project, and to advanced biomass gasification projects shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 Crore per project.

 

Interest subsidy will be released as per the terms specified in Para 4.3 above. 

 

Capital subsidy for the advanced biomass gasification projects will be released through the concerned financial institution on reimbursement basis after completion of the project and submission of project completion report and cost / financial details, and after satisfactory operation and supply of stipulated grid power for a period of three months, as certified by the concerned State Electricity Board. In the case of projects of MW scale 100 % producer gas engines, capital subsidy will be released through the concerned financial institution on reimbursement basis after completion of the project and submission of project completion report and cost / financial details, and after 1000 hrs of successful operation, as certified by a designated entity. 

 

4.3.3    Industrial Cogeneration

 

Industrial co-generation in the core industry sector has an estimated potential of about 10,000 MW surplus power generation in industries such as textiles, steel, cement, paper, food processing, petro-chemicals etc.  These projects can effectively meet the industry’s requirement of power and steam, and surplus power can be sold to State Electricity Boards.        

 

CFA will be provided as per Para 4.4.1 below for organizing Business / Interaction Meets, Seminars, Workshops, Training Programmes with a view to create awareness about industrial cogeneration.

 


4.4.      Promotional Activities:

 

The following promotional activities will be supported under the programme:- 

·                     Business / Interaction Meets, Seminars, Workshops, Training Programmes

·                     Professional Technical Services

·                     Involvement of State Nodal Agencies

 

4.4.1    Business / Interaction Meets, Seminars, Workshops, Training Programmes 

 

CFA will be provided to SNAs, Industry Associations, Consultancy Organizations, Sugar Federations etc. upto a maximum of Rs.3.00 lakh per event, depending on the duration of the event and other specifics. An initial release of upto 50%  with the balance to be released after completion of the activity and submission of necessary documentations.

 

4.4.2    Professional Technical Services

 

CFA will be provided on reimbursement basis after submission of necessary documentation to consultancy firms helping to bring a project to financial closure (upto loan agreement letter), including preparation of the Detailed Project Report @ Rs.1.00 lakh per MW, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakh per project. 

 

4.4.3    Involvement of State Nodal Agencies

 

CFA will be provided to SNAs for their active involvement in promoting biomass power / cogeneration projects @ of Rs. 50,000 per MW, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakh per project.   An initial release of 50%  will be made on submission of documentation about financial closure (upto loan agreement), with the balance to be released on completion of the project and submission of necessary documentations.

 

5.         Biomass Gasifier – Programme Components

 

The biomass gasifier programme will be implemented with the following components:

 

5.1       Biomass Gasifiers for thermal and electrical applications

 

            The deployment of small scale gasifiers, particularly upto 100 KW capacity has so far been demonstrated for a variety of end-use applications. During the 10th Plan, greater emphasis is being given to gasifiers of higher unit sizes to operate on diversity of biomass feed material, and for specific segments of industrial applications and on captive power generation.  Central Financial Assistance in the form of capital subsidy is proposed to be continued during 2003-04 on biomass gasifiers for thermal and electrical applications, as per the following pattern:-          

Type of Application

Capital Subsidy

i) Thermal Applications including cooking (upto 3 MWth),

 

 

ii) Electrical application, including pumping and captive power, with provision for surplus power to grid (upto 1 Mwe).

*i)  Rs. 1.25 lakh / 300 KWth for thermal applications on pro-rata basis, or in multiples thereof

 

*ii) Rs.1.50 lakh/100 KWe for electrical applications, including pumping and captive power on pro-rata basis, or in multiples thereof preferably with provision of surplus power to grid

 

* 20% higher CFA will be provided for all Special Category States, and Islands (excluding those that are Union Territories).

 

CFA will be provided on satisfactory completion of project on reimbursement basis through State Nodal Agencies. Certification of completion of the project to be provided through a Joint Commissioning Report (JCR) as per Format `A’ in Annexure-II by the State Nodal Agency, Manufacturer and beneficiaries / user Organization alongwith documents providing necessary technical and audited financial documents.

 

 

5.2       Biomass Gasifier based village electrification

 

During the year 2003-04, village electrification through biomass gasifier will be intensified.  An average size of 50 KW has been taken for these projects with unit size of 25 KW capacity, modular upto 100 KW, and a special rating of 10 KW. For cluster of villages, 100 KW size, modular upto 1 MW, is proposed.  Implementation will be carried out through SNA with the involvement of ESCOs, Co-operatives, Panchayats, NGOs, manufacturers or entrepreneurs.

 

CFA in the form of capital subsidy to the extent 60% of the cost of Rs.15 lakh for the basic package of a 50 KW project covering biomass gasifier system, housing and local distribution, will be provided, with the balance to be met by State Agency, Panchayat, beneficiaries, etc. For all Special Category States, and Islands (excluding those that are Union Territories), higher capital subsidy of 90% will be provided, with the balance to be met by State Agency, Panchayat, beneficiaries, etc.

 

Provision of additional Rs.1.50 lakh per 50 kW plant has been made in order to ensure regular availability of biomass, provision for collection, processing and storage and operation and maintenance including AMC for 5 years after the guarantee period.  In addition, for internal wiring, beneficiary will be provided micro-credit facility for three points @Rs.1500/- per household.

 

The CFA for the sanctioned projects will be released to the State Nodal Deptts. / SNAs in the following manner :-

 

·                                             Initial release of 20% of the total MNES cost share would be made alongwith the sanction letter of the project.

 

·                                             Second instalment of 50% of MNES cost share would be released on supply of equipment at site.

 

·                                             Third instalment of 30% of MNES cost share would be released on erection and commissioning and after three months / 1000 hours of trouble-free operation of the whole system and submission of Audited SOE & UC by the implementing agency.

 

5.3       Demonstration of 100% producer gas engines coupled with gasifiers for power production

 

The gasifier / gas engine configuration will eliminate the role of fossil fuels i.e. diesel etc. in the generation of electricity so as to make it more economically viable.  Conversion of dual-fuel engines to 100% producer gas engines below megawatt-level has also been achieved indigenously. The programme for demonstration units of 100% producer gas engines will be continued to encourage and create confidence about the performance of the engines developed indigenously or imported.  100 projects are to be taken up during the first two years of the 10th Plan.

 

 

 

 

Demonstration of indigenously developed and produced or imported 100% producer gas engines will be taken up in power generation projects upto 1 MW capacity.  CFA of Rs.15 lakh per 100 kW on pro-rata basis, or in multiples thereof, will be provided on the gas engine and biomass gasifier system.  CFA of Rs.10 lakh per 100 KW on pro-rata basis, or in multiples thereof, will be provided for projects involving gas engine alone.  Balance cost to be met by SNAs, User Agencies, Panchayats, Entrepreneurs, NGOs, etc. For all Special Category States, and Islands (excluding those that are Union Territories), additional 20% CFA will be provided.  For village electrification projects while CFA for the basic package will be provided as above, other associated CFA will be provided in addition as per Para 5.2 above The Scheme will be implemented through State Nodal Agencies.

 

            Terms of release of CFA will be as given in Para 5.2 above.

 

5.4       Conversion of existing power plants in all Special Category States, and Islands to biomass gasifier based power stations.

 

On account of rapid escalation in the diesel prices, the cost of generation from the existing diesel power plants in the Special Category States and Islands has gone up significantly.  The programme aims at conversion of existing D.G. sets to dual-fuel mode of operation in conjunction with biomass gasifiers in all Special Category States, and Islands.  This will reduce the dependence on diesel for power generation in such remote areas. A total CFA of Rs.10.00 lakh per 100 KW project for the gasifier system and for conversion of the D.G. set to dual-fuel mode of operation will be provided, on pro-rata basis, or in multiples thereof.  The Scheme be implemented through State Power Depatments / SNAs. 

 

            Terms of release of CFA will be as given in Para 5.2 above.

 

5.5       Promotional Activities

 

5.5.1    Detailed Project Reports are necessary for all projects above 100 KWe or 300 KWth capacity.  CFA for DPR preparation for projects between above, 100 KWe upto 500 kWe or 300 KWth to 1500 kWth is Rs. 0.50 lakh, whereas for projects above, 500 kWe and upto 1MWe  and 1500 KWth and upto 3 MWth is Rs. 1.00 lakh.  For projects upto 100 kWe  or 300 KWth capacity, basic information is to be provided, as per Formats `B’ and `C’ of Annexure-II, for which no CFA will be provided.

 

5.5.2    One-time funding upto Rs.5.00 lakhs shall be provided to gasifier manufacturers/suppliers for establishing service centers in areas where cluster of systems, minimum 10, have been set up.

 

5.5.3        CFA of upto a ceiling of Rs.20.00 lakh will be provided for applied R&D, pilot projects, technology validation projects, strategic studies on scientific, technical, engineering, economic aspects, industry-wise sectoral studies, performance monitoring and evaluation, etc., The proposals will be considered by an Expert Committee headed by the concerned Advisor in the Ministry.

 

5.5.4    CFA of upto Rs.3 lakh per event will be provided for organization of Business Meets, Seminars, Workshops, orientation programmes, training programmes, etc. depending upon the specifics of each proposal.

 

5.5.5    CFA of Rs.10,000 per 100 kWe project, upto a maximum of Rs.1 lakh for 1 MWe project for power generation, and Rs.5,000 per 300 kWth project for thermal applications on pro-rata basis, upto a maximum of Rs.50,000/- for promotion of Biomass Gasification Technology, shall be provided as service / implementation charges to State Nodal Agencies.

 

6.         Monitoring

 

i)                    The State Nodal Agencies / implementing agencies will set up effective monitoring mechanism / Committee(s), associating the Regional Offices of MNES and other State agencies to closely review the implementation of the projects under the programme.  Monitoring through an independent agency, as and when required by MNES, is also proposed under the programme.

 

ii)                  The State Deptts./ Agencies will send progress reports in respect of completed projects and also under construction, on a quarterly basis.

 

iii)         The implementing agencies will closely monitor the performance of each project and will submit reports on a half-yearly basis at least for 3 years after commissioning of each system to the respective State Govt. Dept./Agency, who will forward a consolidated Summary Report to the Ministry.

 

7.         The general terms and conditions for both the programmes are given in Annexure-III. The aforesaid Biomass Energy and Co-generation Programmes are subject to such change(s) and modification(s) as may be decided by the MNES, Government of India from time to time, and subject to availability of funds.  The Ministry shall in no way be liable for expenditure incurred by Promoters for pre-project preparation or other activities, merely on the basis of this Circular and/or related announcements made by the Ministry.  In case of any dispute on interpretation of any provision under the Schemes, the decision of the Ministry shall be final and binding.

 

8.         All the State Government Agencies/Departments are requested to initiate the action for implementation of Bio-mass Energy & Co-generation Programmes during the year 2003-2004 as per the Scheme.  Firmed up project proposals under both the programmes may be formulated alongwith DPR, as stipulated in the Scheme, and as per prescribed format contained in the Scheme Circular, wherever necessary. 

 

   Yours faithfully,

 

 

(Dr. J. R. Meshram)

                                                                      Director

 

Encl : As above

 

 

 

 


 

ANNEXURE-I

 

 

APPLICATION FORMAT FOR INTEREST SUBSIDY

(BIOMASS POWER/CO-GENERATION PROJECTS)

 

PART - A

 

[ TO BE FILLED IN  BY  PROMOTER & FORWARDED THROUGH LEAD FI]

 

1.         GENERAL

 

(i)         Name, Address, Phone, Fax  &                      :

Email of the Promoter.

 

(ii)        Name and designation of                                :

authorised signatory

 

(iii)       Constitution (whether Co-operative/                           : 

Private Sector/Public Ltd/

            joint sector/Public Sector Company etc.)

 

(iv)       Location of the Project                                    :          

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