Shimla- Himachal Pradesh, guided by IIT Mandi, will harness bio-energy from pine needles and bamboo, tapping into the state's abundant conifer forests and bamboo resources.
The government, however, has yet to set up timeline, funds for the proposed project and how it will go about it in different forest circles.
The State Government aims to utilize pine needles and pine cones, protecting valuable forest wealth and exploring their biomass potential while combating damage caused by forest fires.
Pine needles are crucial forest biomass with implications for local vegetation and forest fires, necessitating exploration of their constituent biopolymers.
IIT Mandi's Centre for Innovative Technology for the Himalayan region has developed a unique machine to produce briquettes and pellets from harmful pine needles, providing an eco-friendly alternative biomass.
The State Government supports this sustainable project, planning to establish similar plants throughout Himachal Pradesh in collaboration with IIT Mandi.
Pine needle-based briquettes are environmentally friendly, with lower sulphur and harmful element content, while abundant pine cones in Himachal contribute to reducing greenhouse gases from fossil fuels.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu suggests expanding the use of pine needle briquettes in sectors like thermal power, cement, and steel as potential substitutes, offering higher calorific value and strengthening the rural economy.
