Evidence-based field visit for assessment and scale-up of biomass energy solutions

Organisers: ICIMOD and Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST)

About the event

We are partnering with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), Government of Punjab, India, to organise an exposure visit for an evidence-based field visit to assess and scale-up biomass energy solutions. This exposure visit is anticipated to significantly boost Nepal’s biomass pellet sector by demonstrating a proven model of integrated policy and market development, enhancing sustainable energy use and reducing environmental pollution.

This event is part of Action Area: Air, under the Strategic Group: Climate and Environmental Risks. It is delivered through ICIMOD’s Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), supported by the United Kingdom International Development.

Objectives

The specific objectives of this workshop are to:

• Translate the recommendations from stakeholder consultations into practical learning and capacity-building opportunities by demonstrating government officials and relevant stakeholders the productive utilization of agricultural crop residues
• Provide hands-on exposure to technologies and business models for biomass residue utilisation in Punjab (pelletizing, briquetting, biochar, BCG; biomass-based industrial heat applications)
• Strengthen the capacity of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners in Nepal to design effective biomass energy interventions
• Identify opportunities for Nepal to adapt and replicate Punjab’s models to support its renewable energy targets and NDC commitments

Background

The recent stakeholder consultation workshop on biomass energy policy and entrepreneurship, jointly organised by ICIMOD and Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, highlighted Nepal’s vast untapped biomass potential. Participants noted that 23 million tonnes of agricultural and 16 million tonnes of forestry residues remain unused or are openly burned, causing pollution, emissions, fire risks, and resource loss. As a way forward, a national biomass roadmap is being prepared to guide the sustainable utiliSation of these resources.

Presentation from India during the meeting showcased various technologies on biomass residue management. With chronic challenges of paddy residue burning, India’s Punjab has pioneered solutions such as biomass pelletization, briquetting industries, cogeneration plants, Bio-compressed gas, and industrial fuel substitution programs. These initiatives showcase effective policies, technologies, and public–private partnerships that Nepal can adapt.

Important aspects to be demonstrated during the visit include government regulations mandating the use of biomass pellets with blending ratios ranging from seven to 20 percent depending on the type of industry, which has been instrumental in creating a substantial and reliable market for pellet manufacturers. The visit will also highlight the various support mechanisms, particularly the fiscal and non fiscal support provided by the Government of India that incentivise private sector securing their investments deployed in establishing pellet plants. Additionally, attention will be given to farmer support programs designed to facilitate the collection and supply of crop residues, ensuring a steady and sustainable feedstock for pellet production. The visit will highlight PSCST’s role along with its research initiatives in advancing efficient residue management practices. Furthermore, the collaboration frameworks between the government entity and industries will be demonstrated, focusing on enforcing standards compliance and addressing broader climate change impacts. These elements collectively support the successful biomass pellet promotion and the government’s integrated approach to clean energy transition and air quality improvement.

Building on the consultation’s recommendation, an exposure visit to India’s Punjab is proposed to allow Nepal’s policy makers and private sector to directly observe and learn from successful biomass residue utilisation practices.