HP to incentivise bio-energy production from pine needles

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government will partner the Indian School of Business (ISB) to provide the emerging bio-energy sector with policy inputs and research support, besides starting a pilot project for bio-energy production from pine needles and bamboo.
Claiming at a meeting with the ISB on Friday evening that the state had an abundance of pine and bamboo to help the local community increase its income, Sukhu said: “Sectors such as thermal power, cement, and steel were exploring substitutes of fossil fuel to reduce carbon emissions.They can use fuel briquettes made of pine needles for the advantage of higher calorific value. This will also strengthen the rural economy.”
The ISB would provide industry with the business model, technology, and market linkage to run this project with the assistance of the state government. The CM said: “These projects will incentivise communities to protect and manage their forests sustainably.”