MNRE Updates Waste-To-Energy Guidelines For BioCNG Projects With New Performance Rules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued updated clarifications for the Waste to Energy (WTE) Programme under Phase I of the National Bioenergy Programme. These guidelines, approved by the Secretary of MNRE, focus on performance inspection requirements for projects that seek government financial assistance (CFA).

Under the revised rules, a project’s performance will be evaluated based on three continuous months of operation. During this period, each plant must run for at least 24 hours at 80% of its rated capacity to meet the criteria for CFA. The ministry has also provided an annexure specifying minimum generation requirements for BioCNG plants with capacities ranging from 2 to 33 tonnes per day (TPD). For example, a plant with an installed capacity of 2 TPD must produce at least 1.60 TPD to be eligible for full CFA, while a 10 TPD plant must generate a minimum of 8.00 TPD.

The guidelines clarify that projects with a capacity below 50% will not be eligible for CFA. For larger plants with capacities above 24 TPD, generation data must be submitted for 24 hours at a minimum of 50% of the rated capacity. These measures aim to ensure that WTE projects operate efficiently and meet performance standards before receiving government financial support.

The updated rules are part of MNRE’s efforts to strengthen the Waste to Energy Programme and encourage consistent, reliable generation from bioenergy projects. By defining clear minimum generation standards and inspection protocols, the ministry intends to ensure that financial assistance is provided only to projects that demonstrate adequate operational performance. These clarifications are expected to guide developers in planning and operating their BioCNG plants effectively while meeting eligibility requirements for government support.

Overall, the new guidelines provide a clear framework for project performance evaluation, emphasizing continuous operation, minimum generation standards, and strict adherence to capacity requirements for receiving financial assistance.