India’s expansive agricultural sector produces not just food, but also a substantial amount of organic residue—crop stalks, bagasse, cattle dung, urban waste—making biomass a uniquely local and sustainable energy resource. As the nation moves toward its goal of 500 GW of non‑fossil capacity by 2030 and aims for net zero by 2070, biomass energy is gaining prominence. In April 2025, India’s installed biomass capacity reached 11.58 GW, a blend of bagasse cogeneration, agricultural‑residue plants, and waste‑to‑energy systems . This sector continues to grow through a combination of technology improvements, supportive policy, and social benefits.
India’s Biomass Energy Capacity Breakdown (2025)
The Power in Crop Waste and Beyond
Biomass energy systems utilize a wide range of organic materials—from sugarcane bagasse in industrial cogeneration units to urban municipal solid waste and agricultural residues. Bagasse-based cogeneration remains the largest segment, with nearly 9.8 GW capacity by April 2025 .Non-bagasse biomass plants add another ~0.92 GW, and waste-to-energy systems contribute around 0.54 GW . These installations not only generate reliable power for local grids, but also support rural industries and reduce fossil fuel usage. Moreover, by diverting crop residue away from open burning—an annual polluting practice—biomass plants significantly cut down on toxic emissions.
Modern Technologies, Cleaner Operations
Contemporary biomass technologies in India have seen notable advancements. State-of-the-art biomass boilers now offer higher thermal efficiency, while modular gasifiers enable decentralized off-grid power generation. Emission controls—especially flue gas-cleaning systems—are standard in larger plants, ensuring compliance with environmental norms. Additionally, hybrid configurations that couple biomass with solar or conventional cogeneration are emerging, boosting overall system efficiency and flexibility.
Policy Incentives: Fueling the Biomass Momentum
The Indian government is actively supporting biomass through its National Bioenergy Program (2021–26). With an allocation of ₹858 Crore (∼$105 million) in Phase I, this program includes schemes for:
· Waste-to-energy (urban/industrial/agricultural residues)
· Biomass briquette and pellet manufacturing
· Non-bagasse biomass cogeneration in industries
· Biogas and bio-CNG support
Specifically, the biomass program offers ₹40 Lakh/MW for non-bagasse cogeneration and up to ₹9 Lakh per MTPH for briquette and pellet plants. For bagasse cogeneration, a flat support of ₹25 Lakh/MW is provided .Additionally, the SATAT initiative promotes compressed biogas (CBG) production from agricultural and municipal waste—extending biomass energy into transport and cooking fuel markets.
Socio-Environmental Impact
Biomass energy delivers a rarely matched combination—rural empowerment, clean air, and circular economy integration. Programs like MNRE’s bioenergy mission are creating local employment in biomass collection, pellet manufacturing, and plant operations. By offering an alternative to stubble burning, biomass plants help mitigate seasonal air pollution, with potentially significant health and environmental benefits. According to the IEA, fully leveraging this sector could meet 15% of India’s energy demand by 2040,underscoring its strategic importance .
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Biomass Power
The biomass sector stands at the cusp of major expansion. With roughly 750 Million tones/year of biomass available—of which 230 MMT is surplus—India has a vast resource base. The IEA and PwC projects hint at potential generation of over 28 GW capacity generating ~208 billion units annually. However, realizing this scale will require improved logistics, investment in emission-control and hybrid technologies, and stronger linkages between farmers, industries, and power developers.
Growth of Biomass Energy Capacity in India (2010–2025)
In Summary
Biomass energy occupies a pivotal place in India’s clean energy matrix—offering:
Rural livelihoods and decentralized power support
Pollution mitigation through stubble and waste utilization
Reliable backing to intermittent renewables
With consistent policy backing, technological progress, and effective coordination among stakeholders, biomass energy is poised to power India’s sustainable growth and energy independence into the next decade.