First Cooperative Multi-Feed Compressed Biogas (CBG)

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recently inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra

Key Highlights of the CBG Plant

• Daily Production: The plant is set to produce 12 tons of Compressed Biogas (CBG) daily, along with 75 tons of potash derived from jaggery/molasses. This will contribute to reducing India's import of potash and energy dependence.

• Location: Kopargaon, Maharashtra – a significant site for this pioneering renewable energy initiative.

• Feedstock: The CBG plant will primarily use agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, and sewage to produce the biogas.

About Compressed Biogas (CBG)

CBG is a renewable fuel derived from organic waste through anaerobic digestion, a process where organic materials like biomass and agricultural waste are broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen. The result is a cleaner, eco-friendly fuel with similar calorific value to CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and it can replace CNG in various sectors.

Properties and Benefits of CBG

1. Eco-Friendly:

   • CBG is a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which supports India’s long-term net zero emissions target by 2070.

   • It also contributes to reducing pollution by utilizing agricultural and organic waste (such as stubble burning), which would otherwise contribute to air pollution.

2. Waste Management:

   • CBG converts organic waste into fuel, promoting waste-to-energy solutions and advancing a circular economy. This process is instrumental in dealing with agricultural waste, which is a significant problem in rural areas.

3. Energy Security:

   • By producing CBG domestically from locally available biomass, India can reduce its dependence on oil imports, which aligns with the government’s goals to increase the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix (currently around 6%, targeted 15% by 2030).

India’s CBG-Related Initiatives

1. SATAT Scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation):

   • This scheme is aimed at promoting the production of CBG from biomass and organic waste. The goal is to utilize 62 Million Metric Tonnes of annual waste and reduce import dependence, while also generating jobs and lowering vehicular emissions.

2. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):

   • The NCDC plans to support 15 sugar mills for setting up CBG and potash units. This initiative is part of India’s larger vision to create a cooperative model that integrates renewable energy production with local economic growth.

Comparison of CBG and CNG

Conclusion

The inauguration of India’s first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant in Kopargaon is a game-changer for the country’s energy security and waste management efforts. By converting agricultural waste into compressed biogas, India is taking a significant step towards cleaner energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.