7-Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects to be operationalised in Punjab in 2024

As India Energy Week (IEW) draws limelight in Goa for unprecedented interest of investors in biofuels industry of India, the Punjab Government in North has announced that it will inaugurate seven Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects by the end of 2024. This will come as a big boost for efforts to step-up renewable energy generation and arrest the ills of stubble burning in the state.

Aman Arora, Punjab’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, announced that these CBG projects would collectively be capable of producing about 79 tons per day (TPD) of compressed biogas.

The CBG plants will also utilize more than 2.72 lakh tons of paddy straw annually. The development has some when Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held that India is witnessing swift hike in investments and innovation with regards to biofuels.

Chairing a meeting to review the Department’s ongoing projects with Secretary Ravi Bhagat, Aman Arora emphasized the crucial role these initiatives play in addressing the stubble burning crisis while positioning Punjab as a leader in sustainable energy production.

He said that Punjab has already successfully commissioned four CBG projects that have a total capacity of over 85 TPD CBG. These CBG plants have already utilized around 1.70 lakh tons of paddy straw, effectively combating stubble burning and advancing the state’s sustainable energy goals.

“Our relentless efforts aim to completely eliminate stubble burning,” said Arora, highlighting the government’s commitment. He also underscored the importance of the newly drafted Biofuel Policy and the establishment of a Green Hydrogen Policy in decarbonizing the economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, noting their positive impacts on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently, Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), a state-owned entity, has entered into an agreement with GAIL (India) Limited to establish 10 compressed biogas projects and other ventures related to new and renewable energy in the region.