Key points

1. Himachal Pradesh’s government formulates the fuel policy for the industries. Hence, bans furnace oil and pet coke utilization.
2. Three areas in the state fall under the most polluted areas: Baddi, Parwanoo and Kala Amb.
3. The industries using furnace oil as fuel shall shift to High-speed diesel or any other cleaner fuel, such as biomass.
4. The industries can utilize petcoke if they meet 1% of the feedstock requirement from the biomass.
5. Fossil fuels are polluting, therefore, by switching to biomass with an OBR kit significantly reduces carbon emissions.

Himachal Pradesh, State is characterised by the renowned landscape. The scope of industrialization in the state is vast. However, one of the primary concerns with industrialization is air pollution, which is contributed by the industries’ use of dirty fossil fuels. The Honorable Supreme Court passed the order dated 28.03.2019, the Himachal Pradesh is pleased to formulate the fuel policy for the industries. Therefore, the State government developed a policy to curb air pollution. Hence, bans furnace oil and pet coke utilization.

Environmental effects due furnace oil and pet coke

There are about 44 notified industrial areas in the State of Himachal Pradesh. According to the 2017 data report, three areas in the state fall under the most polluted areas: Baddi, Parwanoo and Kala Amb. So, the primary concern is the use of high sulphur fuels, such as furnace oil and pet coke. The utilization of these fuels results in:

1. Emissions of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
2. Increased in the Particulate Matter (PM10) content in the atmosphere.

Himachal Pradesh’s Policy on fuel utilization

The Himachal Pradesh Fuel Policy also made it clear that industrial units using pet coke and furnace oil either have to comply with the specific conditions laid in the policy:

PETCOKE Usage

1. The industries can utilize petcoke if they meet 1% of the feedstock requirement from the biomass. Also, the industries must submit the 100% sulphur absorption report to the State Board.
2. Industrial boilers with up to 20 tons per hour capacity or more shall install the system for 90% of reduction of the sulphur content along with the continuous monitoring of the system.

FURNACE OIL Usage

1. The use of furnace oil shall be prohibited after the given timeline period.
2. The industries using furnace oil as fuel shall shift to High-speed diesel or any other cleaner fuel, such as biomass.
3. The generator sets are allowed to use furnace oil if they submit an EPA compliance certificate.

A beneficial step toward the environment

As the government is discouraging furnace oil and petcoke, the industries currently using these fuels are looking for a way to continue their operations using cost-effective alternatives. So, Steamax’s Oil to Biomass Retrofit (OBR) kit can help these industries to convert their boilers to biomass.
Here are a few of the reasons why OBR suits best to Himachal Pradesh’s fossil fuel users:

1. Low Investment: Buying a new boiler requires a high investment. As a result, retrofitting is cost-effective and quick.
2. Advanced Technology: The OBR kit can fit to any existing oil or gas-fired system. Also, it consists of an auto fuel system and ash removal system.
3. Reduce the Manufacturing Costs: Compared to HSD, LDO, & FO, the OBR kit reduces fuel costs by up to 50%.
4. Clean Environment: Fossil fuels are polluting, therefore, by switching to biomass with an OBR kit significantly reduces carbon emissions.

Might you be wondering about biomass fuel, right? Don’t worry; we can help you with that too. Steamax provides an end-to-end solution to all our customers. That means from equipment to fuel supply to operation and maintenance. Hence, we can take charge of your every problem. So, are you ready to make the switch? Contact us today for more information.