MEGA CBG PUSH BY RELIANCE: Mukesh Ambani promises 350 biogas plants across North East

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has announced a massive ₹75,000 crore investment in the North Eastern states over the next five years. The investment will cover a broad range of developmental initiatives, including the construction of 350 integrated compressed biogas (CBG) plants across the region.

Speaking at the ‘Rising NorthEast Investors Summit,’ Ambani outlined the company’s ambitious plans to expand its telecom and retail presence, introduce more FMCG products, and scale up clean energy projects across the region. These efforts, he said, are expected to generate over 2.5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting a significant portion of the region’s 45 million people.

“Reliance has invested around Rs 30,000 crore in the region in the past 40 years. In the next five years, we will more than double our investments, with our target at Rs 75,000 crore,” Ambani said.

He made six commitments to the Chief Ministers of the eight North Eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

A major component of the investment includes setting up 350 CBG plants to convert organic waste into gas. These plants will not only help manage waste but also produce cleaner fuels for transportation, industrial use, and household cooking. “We will turn the region’s vast wastelands into wealth-lands,” Ambani stated.

Reliance has been an early mover in India’s biofuel sector, particularly in the development of compressed biogas. In November 2024, the company had already committed ₹65,000 crore to set up 500 CBG plants across Andhra Pradesh, with full support from the state government.

In a further boost to its green energy ambitions, Reliance has partnered with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on a Rs 100 crore initiative to develop 11 grass species as feedstock for biogas production.

Expanding Telecom, Retail, and Healthcare in the Region

On the digital front, Ambani said Reliance Jio will double its network footprint in the North East this year. He said tat Jio’s priority is to bring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence to schools, hospitals, businesses, and homes across the region.

Reliance Retail, the company’s retail arm, will significantly increase its procurement of staples, fruits, and vegetables from the North East to boost farmers’ incomes and integrate local produce into national supply chains.

Additionally, the Reliance Foundation, the group’s philanthropic wing, plans to introduce advanced cancer care services in the region, ensuring better access to healthcare for millions.

With this sweeping initiative, Reliance Industries is positioning itself as a key player in the transformation of the North East, integrating economic development with sustainability and social impact.