Background

In its bid to support clean energy initiatives, KfW, The German Development Bank, initiated a line of credit that would support the proliferation of biomass based power generation projects in India. KfW has released its line of credit for encouraging clean energy initiative through the governing body i.e. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Limited which is responsible for soliciting proposals from biomass power generators. For the attainment of the objective, KfW sought technical assistance from ECOFYS, a Germany based agency that works towards the promotion of sustainable energy alternatives. After receiving the same, the proposals are evaluated by both IREDA and ECOFYS on a number of parameters, and the feasible ones recommended for financial support.

Objective

WII evaluated the technical proposals on behalf of ECOFYS on three critical parameters of the evaluation matrix (social impact of the project, environmental footprint of the project and the availability of adequate biomass and the strength of its supply chain) designed and developed by ECOFYS through site visits to the proposed project location. The project team played a vital role in the overall success of the initiative. WII evaluated each proposal by conducting a detailed site visits. The team studied the conditions on the ground and examines requisite credentials and clearances (right to land acquisition, provision for power evacuation, etc.) that each developer must possess. WII therefore ensures that each project possesses the minimum criteria for successful operation and sustainability.

Activities

So far, WII has assessed nine project proposals and has shared its observations with ECOFYS for further action. The activities that have been completed so far are as under:

WII has developed a site evaluation methodology and questionnaire for verification of criteria CR 5 (Environmental Aspects), CR 7(Social Aspects), and CR 8(Biomass availability) of the general methodology Verification of project proposals for each project onsite according to the methodology developed Submission of final verification report for each project which concludes the results and contains additional comments for ECOFYS on the quality of the projects Description of the on-site results as well as the summarizing of comments from WII.

Based on the information / supporting documents furnished by the project developers, evaluation of the four category of projects has been carried out that includes Bagasse Based Cogeneration Biomass Power Projects- Combustion Route Biomass / Bagasse Power Generation / Cogeneration Biomass Gasification & Biogas for Power Generation.