Relevance: GS3 – Environment, Energy | Source: Down to Earth, Ministry of Power

The Government has released a new policy enabling municipal solid waste (MSW)–derived charcoal (or biochar) to be co-fired in coal-based thermal power plants to reduce emissions and manage waste sustainably.

What the Policy Provides

• Thermal plants may co-fire up to a fixed percentage of MSW-charcoal with coal.
• Plants must ensure quality standards (moisture, calorific value, ash).
• Introduces a procurement framework, testing protocols, and incentives for adoption.
• Supports urban local bodies to process MSW into charcoal via pyrolysis.

What is Co-firing?

Co-firing means simultaneous combustion of two fuels—here, coal + MSW-charcoal—in the same boiler.
It increases renewable share in power generation without major plant modifications.

Significance

• Reduces coal consumption, particulate emissions and methane from landfills.
• Helps cities manage waste under Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Supports India’s Net-Zero 2070 & National Bioenergy Programme goals.
• Encourages a circular economy by converting waste into energy.

One line Wrap: The policy marks a key step toward cleaner power generation and turning India’s waste burden into a renewable energy resource.