PNGRB approves guidelines for injecting CBG into CGD networks

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved comprehensive guidelines for the injection of Compressed Biogas (CBG) into Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, marking a significant step toward integrating green gas into India’s existing energy infrastructure.

The new framework provides a standardized approach for the safe, efficient and seamless blending of CBG with conventional natural gas. It addresses a long-standing gap in the CBG ecosystem by enabling grid-based evacuation, which is expected to improve project viability through assured market access and better infrastructure planning. The move is likely to boost investor confidence, facilitate financing, and accelerate the expansion of CBG production nationwide.

Developed through an extensive consultative process, the guidelines reflect inputs from a wide range of stakeholders. PNGRB constituted a technical committee comprising CBG producers, CGD entities, and pipeline operators to examine key operational, safety and technical aspects. A draft version was also placed in the public domain for feedback, followed by discussions in an open house forum before finalization.

The guidelines lay out detailed provisions covering design and technical standards aligned with existing safety regulations, along with specifications for CBG quality based on access code regulations and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms. They also include clear procedures for installing injection facilities, as well as protocols for operation, monitoring and maintenance.

Safety remains a central focus, with requirements such as odorization systems, control mechanisms, and integrity management practices built into the framework. Additionally, the document includes schematic illustrations to ensure uniform interpretation and ease of implementation across networks.

The integration of CBG into the natural gas grid is expected to enhance the supply of domestically produced green fuel, reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), and strengthen India’s energy security. It will also support climate goals by lowering carbon emissions and promoting the use of organic waste such as agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is projected to deliver socio-economic gains, including additional income opportunities for farmers, rural employment generation, and advancement of a circular economy.