🔥 Key Points on Solid Biofuels & Indian Standards (IS)

Solid biofuels (pellets, briquettes, and raw biomass) are crucial for renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction.
India produces 755 million tonnes of biomass annually, with 228 million tonnes surplus, which can replace coal in thermal power plants.

The SAMARTH Mission was launched to promote biomass co-firing in thermal power plants.
The 2021 policy mandates 5-7% biomass co-firing in coal-based power plants.
In 2023, the policy was revised to include bamboo and by-products for biomass pellet manufacturing.

BIS has developed 95 standards under PCD 7 (Solid Biofuels Sectional Committee).
18 standards focus on solid biofuels, covering:
- Sampling methods 🏗️
- Testing & classification 🏭
- Calorific value determination 🔥
- Ash content & moisture analysis 💧

IS Code	Title
IS 18721:2024	Solid Biofuels – Vocabulary
IS 18640:2024	Solid Biofuels – Sample Preparation
IS 17654:2021	Determination of Calorific Value
IS 3810 (Part 2):2002	Methods for Fuel Analysis
IS 460 (Part 1):2020	Test Sieves Specification

21 NABL-accredited labs identified for biomass pellet testing.
Bankable project reports and loan schemes launched for pellet plants.
Quality checks include:
- Moisture Content (Drying Analysis)
- Bulk Density
- Particle Size Distribution
- Ash Melting Behavior
- Impurities & Chemical Composition

Coal & biomass co-firing reduces GHG emissions and utilizes agri-waste.
BIS-issued SOPs guide plants on biomass procurement & handling.
Pellet procurement is now available on the ‘GeM’ portal for easier transactions.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Solid Biofuels Compendium (2025)

What are the BIS standards and testing protocols for solid biofuels in India?