Question : GENERATION OF ENERGY THROUGH BIO-MASS

(a) whether the Government have formulated any comprehensive plan for generation of energy through Bio-mass;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the target fixed for power generation through bio-mass during the Tenth Five Year Plan;

(d) whether any subsidy is being given to the manufactures of bio-mass gasifiers and also for the consumers for purchasing these kits;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether any amount of subsidy is being given to North East States for bio-mass gasifier based energy generation;

(g) if so, the details thereof;
(h) whether the Government have any proposal to extend the subsidy on bio-mass gasifier to other States also; and

(i) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)

(a)&(b): The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is implementing programmes on biomass power generation, bagasse cogeneration and biomass gasification. A capacity of 502 MW has already been installed under these programmes. During the Tenth Plan, Central Financial Assistance will be provided in the form of capital subsidy or interest subsidy depending on the type of project. Other promotional incentives will also be available for development of projects, capacity building and awareness creation.

(c): A target of 775 MW has been fixed for power generation through biomass for the Tenth Plan.

(d)&(e): Capital subsidy is being provided for biomass gasifiers for electrical, mechanical and thermal applications, depending upon the capacity of the plant, and various categories of users. Subsidy is also available for village electrification projects. No direct subsidy is given to manufacturers of biomass gasifier equipment.

(f) & (g): Higher subsidy is being provided to North-Eastern States for biomass gasifier based energy generation. Grants are also available for conversion of existing diesel power plants in North-Eastern Region to biomass gasifier based power stations.

(h) & (i): The subsidy is already being provided to the States for projects being directly undertaken by them. It is also provided through the States for projects undertaken by any other organisations or agencies.