Overview
Parbhani Gangakhed is a 30 MW biomass power plant in Maharashtra, India, owned by Gangakhed Energy Ltd. It converts agricultural waste into electricity, supporting renewable energy goals.
Parbhani Gangakhed is a biomass power plant located in Maharashtra, India, with a capacity of 30 megawatts. Owned by Gangakhed Energy Ltd, the facility is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio by utilizing locally sourced biomass as fuel. The plant operates under India's regulatory framework for renewable energy, including policies under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Biomass power plants in India typically use agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse or rice husk, and Parbhani Gangakhed likely follows similar practices. The 30 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for biomass power generation in India. Environmentally, the plant helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provides a disposal route for agricultural waste, mitigating open burning. Its location in Maharashtra, a state with significant agricultural activity, ensures a steady fuel supply. The facility supports local grid stability and rural development through job creation and energy access.
Environmental context
The plant uses biomass, a renewable fuel, which reduces net CO2 emissions compared to coal. However, biomass combustion still emits particulate matter and NOx, requiring proper emission controls. Located in an agricultural region, the plant helps manage crop residues, preventing field burning that causes air pollution. Proximity to populated areas may necessitate adherence to ambient air quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
Parbhani Gangakhed biomass power plant is located in Maharashtra, India, near the town of Parbhani.
The plant has a capacity of 30 megawatts (MW), which is typical for a small-to-medium scale biomass facility.
The plant is owned by Gangakhed Energy Ltd, an Indian company specializing in renewable energy.
Biomass power plants in India must comply with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) emission standards, as well as state-level pollution control board norms. They also benefit from renewable energy policies under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Biomass power is considered carbon-neutral if the fuel is sourced sustainably, as the CO2 released during combustion is offset by the CO2 absorbed during plant growth. However, it can emit particulate matter and other pollutants, requiring proper emission control systems.