Latest news with #bioenergy
Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Govt revises biomass guidelines to boost bio energy and ease of doing business
New Delhi: The Centre has revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across the country, according to a statement. "The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the Biomass Programme under Phase-I of the National Bioenergy Programme, applicable for the period FY 2021-22 to 2025-26. These amendments aim to promote cleaner energy solutions, ease of doing business, and accelerate the adoption of biomass technologies across India," the statement said. Under the new framework, Ministry has simplified several processes, such as cutting down on paperwork and easing approval requirements, which will enable the industry especially MSMEs to enhance their production. These changes align well with improvement of stubble management and India's broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, the statement added. One of the major highlights of the revision is technological integration by enabling the use of IoT-based monitoring solutions or quarterly data submissions instead of expensive and high-tech systems like SCADA. This cost-effective step promotes digital monitoring and accountability, especially for smaller business operators. The guidelines also encourage significant simplification of documentation requirements. Developers of briquette and pellet manufacturing plants will no longer be required to submit a number of documents related to clearance matters. This change will save time, and promote ease of doing business. In a move to enhance operational flexibility, the earlier requirement for a two-year briquette or pellet sale contract has been replaced with a general sale agreement. This change will allow project developers to respond more dynamically to market conditions without being constrained by long-term contracts, as per the Ministry's statement. The amended guidelines allow flexible selling of biomass products, meaning businesses no longer need long-term contracts to get started. Furthermore, the subsidy disbursement mechanism under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) component has been made performance-based and transparent. Projects that run efficiently, above 80%, will receive full financial assistance, while below 80 percent will receive on pro-rata basis. The performance inspection period has been simplified. Earlier, it has to be done within a period of 18 months from the date of commissioning, but now, it can be carried out within 18 months period either from the commissioning date or from the date of In-principle approval, whichever is later. Additionally, to cater on-ground operational challenges of developers, Secretary, MNRE may extend the time period, the Ministry added. During inspection, a performance report was made on the basis of Operation Plant at an average of 80 per cent of rated capacity measured over a period of three consecutive days, taking average 16 Hrs per day. However, now it has been reduced to just 10 hours as the inspection process primarily aims to verify the claimed and operational capacities and inspection for 10 hours of continuous operation would suffice for this purpose. Recognising the urgent need to address air pollution, especially from stubble burning in northern India, the new guidelines include a provision allowing biomass pellet producers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to choose the most beneficial support scheme, either from MNRE or CPCB. These revisions will not only support the smooth implementation of the biomass programme and timely delivery of approved financial support to commissioned plants, but also encourage the sector to establish more biomass-based plants. This would ultimately help in addressing the menace of crop residue burning and ensure sustainable management of agricultural waste. Overall, the updated guidelines will make it easier for businesses to adopt biomass technologies, provide financial incentives for efficient operations, and support India's clean energy efforts, all while promoting practical, business-friendly solutions to waste management and pollution reduction.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Science
- RNZ News
NZ scientists hoping to crack issue produce going to landfill
New Zealand scientists say they have developed 'world first' technology which has the potential to solve a huge problem in our horticulture industry Sustainability venture 'Powered by plants' has produced a system which converts surplus produce into dried ingredients, bio energy and organic fertiliser. Currently 20% of the 6.2 million tonnes of produce grown in NZ is sent to landfill and NZ manufacturers import thousands of tonnes of dried food ingredients and extracts into the country. The lead scientist on the project, Dr Andrew Prest, talks to Jesse.
Globe and Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Westbridge Renewable Energy to Present at Canadian Climate Investor Conference
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 10, 2025) - Westbridge Renewable Energy (TSXV: WEB) (OTCQX: WEGYF) announced today that it will be presenting at the 2025 Canadian Climate Investor Conference (CCIC), taking place on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Arcadian Court in Toronto, Ontario. Director and Board Chair Scott M. Kelly will provide a presentation and participate in the panel discussion "Next-Gen Renewables: Advancing Sustainable Power and Bioenergy Solutions." For a complete agenda of the conference and to register, see the conference website here: About the Canadian Climate Investor Conference The Canadian Climate Investor Conference (CCIC), hosted by Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV), brings together growth-oriented clean technology and renewable energy companies, and climate conscious investors, to share ideas and discover ways to accelerate the deployment of capital needed to build a more sustainable future for Canadians. The conference showcases clean technology investments and is designed to help democratize the ability for investors to participate in growing the clean technology ecosystem. About Westbridge Renewable Energy Westbridge Renewable Energy Corp. originates, develops, and monetizes best-in-class, utility-scale solar PV projects. The Company has a portfolio of projects in three key jurisdictions, Canada, the U.S., and the UK. Westbridge plans to deliver attractive, long-term returns by originating, executing, and developing an international portfolio of renewable assets for investors and utilities. Management has a strong track-record with 40+ projects developed worldwide, obtaining, and executing permits on time and within budget. As one of the very few listed pure-play Canadian solar development companies, Westbridge provides its ESG minded investors with valuable access to greenfield solar projects. This means the Company can invest at the earliest stage of solar energy development benefiting from the full value chain, as well as the expected wider adoption of renewable energy going forward. Westbridge brings together regulators, corporate buyers, and landowners with the goal of delivering clean, sustainable electricity to end users. For more information, contact: Scott M. Kelly Executive Chair & Director Skelly@ +1 416 998-4714 Paul Adams Investor Relations Padams@ +44 (0) 7765 245 892 For more information, please visit: | Twitter | LinkedIn.
Times of Oman
16-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India to close 2024-25 sugar season with comfortable stock of 52-53 lakh tonnes: ISMA
New Delhi: India will close the current sugar marketing season with a closing stock of around 52-53 lakh tonnes, believed to be a comfortable buffer, and it will ensure that the country has a sufficient supply to meet its demand, Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) said on Friday. Sugar marketing season in India runs from October to September. The 2024-25 season commenced with an opening stock of 80 lakh tonnes. Considering the projected domestic consumption of 280 lakh tonnes and export estimates of upto 9 lakh tonnes, the closing stock is likely to be around 52-53 lakh tonnes, according to the industry body ISMA. The 2024-25 sugar season is projected to conclude with a net sugar production of approximately 261 to 262 lakh tonnes. This includes 257.44 lakh tonnes produced up to mid-May, along with an estimated 4 to 5 lakh tonnes anticipated from the special crushing season in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. As per the supplies upto April 30, 2025, approximately 27 lakh tonnes of sugar have been diverted for ethanol production during the current season. An additional 6 to 7 lakh tonnes are expected to be diverted over the remaining season, the industry body said. The industry body has painted an optimistic outlook for the 2025-26 sugar season. "The 2025-26 sugar season is shaping up to be promising, buoyed by several positive developments across key sugar-producing regions," the industry body said on Friday. In the southern states, particularly Maharashtra and Karnataka, sugarcane planting has shown significant improvement, thanks to a favourable southwest monsoon in 2024. "Supported by a strong cane availability, the stage is set for a timely start to the crushing season in October 2025," it said. Adding to this positive momentum are climate forecasts from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which predict a normal southwest monsoon in 2025. "This bodes well for crop health and production, strengthening confidence in a robust and productive sugar season ahead," said the industry body. In its pre-monsoon forecast in 2024, India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall across the country to be above normal, at 106 per cent of the long-period average. The monsoons are a key indicator that helps analysts gauge the economic outlook of the country's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
