The Ministry of Power (MoP) on January 30, 2026, issued the notification regarding the Revised guidelines for Coal and Lignite based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) to utilize ash.
The following has been stated namely: -
• Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) must declare the annual issuable ash (Fly Ash, Bottom Ash, Pond Ash). Ash must be supplied for eco-friendly purposes.
• A specified portion of fly ash must be reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Local Users at concessional rates on an “as is where is” basis. Allocation is through an Expression of Interest (EoI) process and distributed fairly on a pro-rata basis.
• Ash disposal must primarily be done through an open auction with a minimum floor price of ₹1 per Metric Ton. If unutilized, ash is offered free on a first-come, first-serve basis (transport cost borne by users). If still unutilized, TPPs must supply ash free (including transport cost) to identified agencies within 300 km.
• TPPs may use road, rail, waterways, pipeline, RCR, or RoRo modes. Where TPPs bear transportation cost, they must empanel transporters through competitive bidding (based on State/Central Schedule of Rates). Financial liability for transport beyond 300 km is limited to notional road cost up to 300 km.
[Notification No. 9/8/2024-St. Th.]
