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Context:

India's first modern, self-sufficient gaushala with a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant is located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

Compressed biogas (CBG) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases and vapours, mainly methane in gaseous form. It is made from the anaerobic decomposition of animal and plant waste, which is then purified and compressed for use as fuel.

It is used as a renewable fuel, and can replace Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in automotive, industrial, and commercial sectors due to its similar calorific value and properties.

Raw materials used to produce CBG

It is produced from waste and biomass sources such as:

• Agricultural residue
• Cattle dung
• Sugarcane press mud
• Municipal solid waste (MSW)
• Sewage treatment plant waste

Environmental benefits of CBG production

Reduces emissions and pollution by reusing agricultural waste, cattle dung, and MSW.

Reduces carbon emissions and mitigates climate change.

Supports the Swachh Bharat Mission by implementing effective waste management.

Benefit the economy and farmers

Provides farmers with an additional source of income.

Creates rural jobs, strengthening the rural economy.

Reduces dependency on natural gas and crude oil imports to improve energy security.

Help to achieve India’s climate goals

CBG production reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes renewable energy, which aligns with India's commitments to address climate change.

SATAT Scheme

In 2018, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) Scheme.

The SATAT Scheme aims to:

Utilize waste generation to produce energy and boost income and employment

Reduce natural gas and crude oil imports.

Reduce vehicular emissions and pollution caused by the burning of agricultural and organic waste.

Challenges for CBG plants

Biomass supply can vary seasonally, resulting in shortages during the off-season. Feedstocks such as agricultural residues and animal manure may be diverted for other purposes, reducing availability for biogas production.

Gathering feedstock from various locations and transporting it to CBG plants is expensive and logistically difficult. Perishable organic feedstocks must be processed quickly to avoid degradation, which creates additional logistical challenges.

Way Forward

Supporting small and medium enterprises can enable biofuel production in local communities while also promoting a diverse and resilient biofuel industry.

Promoting local production and consumption, especially in rural areas, has the potential to create a circular economy, lower transportation costs, and increase sustainability.

Utilizing food waste material and other organic waste sources for CBG production can ensure a continuous biomass supply. Establishing dependable distribution networks for biomass and biofuel is critical for the long term sustainability.

The government should encourage collaboration among industry stakeholders, academia, and research institutions to encourage innovation and address biofuel sector challenges.

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Source:

PIB