India is ramping up its efforts to produce clean energy with the launch of the SATAT scheme. This initiative focuses on creating compressed biogas (Bio CNG) from biodegradable waste. Despite its potential, the scheme is still in progress.
With an annual production of 62 million metric tonnes of municipal solid waste and an excess of 230 million metric tonnes of agricultural biomass, India has abundant resources for biogas production.
The Panchamrit initiative, introduced during COP26 in 2021, aims to achieve significant milestones in renewable energy. By 2030, India plans to reach a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW, with 50% of energy coming from renewable sources. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and decrease carbon intensity by 45% compared to 2005 levels. The initiative also targets net-zero emissions by 2070.
The production of compressed biogas aligns with the goals of the Panchamrit initiative, offering a sustainable solution to energy production while addressing environmental concerns. The momentum in India’s biogas sector stems from several factors. Firstly, the country’s abundant organic waste resources, including agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and livestock manure, serve as raw materials for biogas production. Harnessing these resources not only mitigates environmental pollution but also addresses the issue of waste management.
Moreover, biogas production contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during the decomposition of organic waste. By curbing these emissions, India moves closer to achieving its climate change mitigation targets, aligning with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of biogas technologies across rural and urban areas fosters decentralized energy production. This decentralization ensures energy security by reducing reliance on centralized power grids while enhancing access to clean energy in remote regions. Rural communities, in particular, benefit from decentralized biogas plants, which provide a reliable source of electricity and cooking fuel, thereby improving their quality of life.
The economic implications of India’s burgeoning biogas sector are profound. The establishment of biogas plants generates employment opportunities, from construction and operation to maintenance and support services. Additionally, the utilization of biogas as a substitute for traditional fuels like firewood, kerosene, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) results in cost savings for households and businesses. This, in turn, bolsters economic resilience and promotes sustainable development.
Government initiatives and policies play a crucial role in driving the expansion of India’s biogas sector. Incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, and favorable tariffs encourage investments in biogas infrastructure and technology development. Moreover, collaborations between the public and private sectors facilitate knowledge exchange, research, and innovation, further propelling the sector forward.
As India intensifies its efforts to transition towards a low-carbon economy, the momentum gained by the biogas sector holds immense promise. By leveraging organic waste to produce clean energy, India not only addresses environmental challenges but also stimulates economic growth, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
Source: Economic Times – India’s Biogas Sector Gains Momentum