13-December-2023-Editorial

BIOGAS CAN FUEL A GREEN ECONOMY

In a pioneering move, the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited, popularly known as Amul Dairy, has spearheaded the establishment of fully automated bio-CNG generation and bottling plants in India. This revolutionary step towards sustainability signifies a paradigm shift towards a circular economy. Amul, after its successful BioCNG pilot project in Banas Dairy, Gujarat, is poised to launch four additional plants in Banaskantha with a substantial investment of ₹230 crore.

Benefits of BioCNG:

High Calorific Value: Efficient and economical for various applications like vehicle fuel, power generation, heating, and cooking. Can replace liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to higher calorific value.

Clean Fuel: Reduces air pollution, emitting fewer pollutants compared to gasoline or diesel. Lowers carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, enhancing environmental and human health.

No Residue or Smoke: Leaves no residue, ash, tar, or carbon deposits, ensuring a cleaner and safer fuel. A non-polluting alternative to conventional fuels.

Economical: Economical production from local waste materials. Reduces transportation and storage costs, creating local jobs and income opportunities.

Bio-Fertilizers: Generates bio-fertilizers from the by-products, enhancing soil quality and crop yield.

 Government’s Vision for BioCNG:

CBG Blending Obligation (CBO): Mandatory blending of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) segments of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector by 2023. Aims to promote CBG production and consumption, reducing LNG imports and contributing to a circular economy.

Implementation: Oversight by the National Biofuels Coordination Committee (NBCC) and support from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). CGD companies responsible for blending CBG in their networks.

Objectives: Stimulate CBG demand in CGD sector. Reduce LNG imports, saving foreign exchange. Promote circular economy and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

Challenges and Measures:

Availability of Feedstock: Ensure a steady supply through incentives and subsidies under the SATAT scheme. Address issues of implementation and monitoring at the ground level.

Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Encourage entrepreneurs and investors to set up CBG plants under the SATAT scheme. Address barriers of entry, such as high capital costs and regulatory hurdles.

Coordination Among Stakeholders: Establish a conducive and collaborative environment among various actors in the CBG value chain. Ensure transparency and accountability, addressing conflicts of interest.

Awareness and Acceptance: Launch campaigns and initiatives to educate and encourage public and industry adoption. Address issues of perception, trust, and resistance to change.

Effective Implementation Strategies:

Policy and Regulatory Framework: Clearly define annual blending targets and timelines. Streamline regulatory processes for CBG plant setup.

Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development: Provide technical assistance and training. Offer financial incentives and support for infrastructure development.

Awareness and Market Development: Conduct public awareness campaigns. Engage stakeholders for industry promotion.

Additional Considerations: Focus on rural development and income opportunities. Promote feedstock diversification and sustainable CBG production. Address environmental concerns through mitigation measures.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between Amul Dairy and MRCTI represents a significant stride towards sustainability, emphasizing the role of BioCNG in achieving a circular economy. The government’s vision of CBG Blending Obligation aligns with global efforts towards cleaner energy sources. Addressing challenges through robust policies, capacity building, and awareness campaigns will be pivotal for the effective implementation of CBG initiatives, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.