New Delhi, May 9 (Reporter) State-owned power major NTPC today said it has successfully demonstrated Co-firing of 20wt per cent Torrefied Biomass at its Unit at Tanda in UP, thereby marking a significant stride towards building a sustainable future.The initiative, a first of its kind in the Indian Power Sector, showcases NTPC's commitment to decarbonizing existing coal-fired fleets and advancing towards Net Zero Emission targets.Earlier, NTPC established co-firing of 7 per cent to 10 per cent non-torrefied biomass with coal at NTPC Dadri. However, to achieve higher percentages of biomass co-firing without major modifications, the possibility of using torrefied biomass was explored by Energy Transition and Policy Research Division of NTPC Engineering, the company said in a statement.Torrefied biomass, produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen, exhibits characteristics akin to coal, making it suitable for higher co-firing percentages without significant system modifications. The Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and cost of torrefied biomass pellets are currently equivalent to imported coal.NTPC's endeavour towards decarbonization includes exploring biomass co-firing in both existing and new coal power plants. Each percent of biomass co-firing has the potential to reduce Carbon Emissions by approximately the same percentage. Additionally, biomass co-firing also mitigates air pollution caused by direct burning of stubble in the fields by the farmers.NTPC looks forward to a significant potential for cost reduction in the long run with the maturity of technology and market, setting a benchmark for sustainable power generation practices in the country...////...