GUJARAT: 10 bio-CNG plants to power Anand villages to beat LPG shortages

In response to restrictions on commercial LPG cylinders, villages in Gujarat’s Anand district are embracing a cleaner and more economical energy solution through a large-scale bio-CNG cluster project. Spanning nearly 100 villages, the initiative will establish 10 bio-CNG plants aimed at reducing reliance on imported LPG while ensuring a steady and cost-effective fuel supply.

The project corridor will stretch 31 kilometres, from Davol village in Borsad taluka to Pandoli in Petlad. According to reports, bio-CNG produced under the project will be nearly 20% cheaper than conventional LPG. The total investment for the cluster is estimated at Rs 60 crore.

Once fully operational, the cluster is expected to produce around 10 metric tonnes of bio-CNG daily—equivalent to approximately 521 commercial or 715 domestic LPG cylinders. Biogas produced will primarily cater to institutions and establishments such as schools, hostels, temples, hotels and eateries on highways that are currently grappling with LPG shortages.

The plants will utilise cattle dung, agricultural residue and food waste as feedstock, offering farmers an additional income stream. Around 500 metric tonnes of organic waste will be collected daily from participating villages, with women-led farmer producer organisations (FPOs) playing a key role in aggregation and supply.

A pilot facility at BAPS Gaushala in Dakor is already operational, producing bio-CNG that is being used to prepare meals for over 1,000 devotees each day. The full cluster is expected to generate about 20,000 cubic metres of biogas daily, which will be upgraded into bio-CNG. Napier grass will also supplement feedstock requirements.

The first plant at Davol, with an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore, is slated for commissioning by May. Notably, several households in the region have already adopted biogas solutions under government initiatives such as the Gobardhan scheme, NDDB programmes, and the Swachh Bharat Mission, indicating strong grassroots acceptance of clean energy alternatives.

Recently, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil convened a crucial meeting with Chairpersons and MD’s of milk cooperatives and dairies from Gujarat to accelerate the development of CBG plants that will transform cattle dung and other organic waste into sustainable energy and organic manure.