MNRE calls for proposals for innovative small biogas plants

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced a call for proposals with the aim of promoting innovation in the development of small-scale biogas plants throughout India. This initiative focuses on designs capable of producing 1 to 25 cubic meters of biogas per day, prioritizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to Indian climatic conditions.

Organizations, universities, research institutions, and industry participants engaged in the manufacturing or advancement of small biogas plants are encouraged to submit proposals in the specified format. The MNRE is particularly interested in proposals that feature inventive designs or substantial enhancements to existing models, facilitating biogas usage at the domestic, community, or village level.

The proposed biogas plants should be constructed using alternative building materials such as HDPE, PVC, LLDPE, or low-cost polyethylene, alongside other environmentally friendly and durable materials. These designs should be capable of processing various organic wastes for anaerobic fermentation, including cattle dung, kitchen waste, and waste from sanitary toilets, at decentralized locations.

Following submission, the MNRE will assess, evaluate, and validate the proposals, conducting both laboratory and field evaluations. Promising technologies and designs will be added to the list of approved biogas plant models, making them eligible for benefits under the MNRE’s Biogas Programme.

The deadline for proposal submission is April 2, 2024. Interested parties are urged to submit their proposals before this date to be considered for approval and inclusion in the biogas programme.

The Government is promoting the use of Compressed Biogas (CBG) as an alternative green transport fuel, which is purified and compressed biogas, produced through a process of anaerobic decomposition from various waste/ biomass sources including Municipal solid waste. In this direction, Oil PSUs have launched the ‘SATAT’ initiative to help establishment of 5000 CBG plants across the country.