India’s Energy Transformation: Embracing Compressed BioGas for a Sustainable Future

India, which has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is experiencing a boom in energy demand. Despite having proven reserves of an estimated 763 million metric tonnes (MMT) of crude oil and 1,488 billion cubic meters (BCM) of natural gas, the country imports roughly 77% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas needs. The Government of India aims to reduce dependency by cutting crude oil imports by 10% and increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix from 6.5% to 15% by 2022.

As per the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister towards providing energy access, efficiency, sustainability and security, India is utilising bio-mass sources such as agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste to generate Compressed BioGas (CBG). CBG, purified of impurities and compressed, has the same properties as CNG, making it a good green automotive fuel.

The commercial rollout of CBG brings multiple benefits: less natural gas and crude imported, fewer emissions and pollution, and steps toward climate goals. It is an initiative that supports the Swachh Bharat Mission, generates rural employment and increases farmers’ income through waste utilization. India is building a strong rural economy through waste-to-energy transformation which can pave the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The Rising Need for CBG

As a progressive economy, India is burdened with a two-fold challenge of energy conservation vis-a-vis environmental conservation. The government has set a 10% crude oil import reduction target and a 6.5%–to-15% gas share in the energy mix. Waste management and pollution control also continue to be major problems. CBG solves this problem by converting agricultural residues, cattle dung, municipal solid waste, and other organic by-products into a clean green energy source.

CBG can contribute to: Production and Use Of CBG

• Reduced dependence on imported fuels
• Mitigate carbon emissions and air pollution.
• These include giving farmers extra income from left-over residues of agriculture activities.

Do your bit to support the Swachh Bharat Mission by articulating proper waste segregation.

Biogas Promotion: Progress in Europe and India

Germany, Italy, the UK, France, and Switzerland are notable for the adoption of biogas, backed up by strong legal frameworks, education programs, and advanced technology. Most biogas produced in Europe is injected into regional natural gas networks to be used as an energy source for power generation, transportation, and heating, either directly or as a mixture with natural gas. Germany alone counts almost 9,000 biogas plants, up from 4,136 in 2010. Mostly co-operatives of farmers run these plants that use maize and turnips as feedstock for production to the impressive capacity of 8.98 BCM which equals 6.5 MMT.

Policy Support for CBG in India

To develop the production and use of CBG, the Government of India has unveiled some policies:

1. Policy on Biofuels (National, 2018): National Policy on Biofuels (2018) National Policy on Biofuels National Policy on Biofuels (2018): This Policy is towards the promotion of biofuels- CBG.
2. GOBAR-DHAN Scheme: To generate Bio-CNG and compost from cattle dung and farm waste; there are plans to set up 700 projects across the country.
3. Financial support for Bio-CNG projects is provided by Central Financial Assistance (CFA).

• India is making remarkable efforts to replicate and scale these successes. Underlining the potential of biogas in emissions abatement, enhancing energy security and rural livelihoods, the Government of India launched the National Policy on Biofuels in 2018. This policy focuses on second-generation biofuels like Compressed Biogas (CBG).
• In addition, the Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme, which was started in 2018-19, seeks to recycle cattle dung and farm waste to produce Bio-CNG and compost. It covers 700 projects across the country, promoting sustainable waste management while generating new avenues for revenue for farmers. In this regard, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for projects for the construction of Bio-CNG.
• India is harmonizing its biogas policies with international standards by investing in initiatives such as GOBAR-DHAN and providing financial support. India aims for a similar transition in its biogas sector modelled largely on European formats, helping halve dependence on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions while also empowering rural localities. The fusion of fostering technologies and models led by farmers can pave the way for India to have a sustainable and self-sufficient energy landscape.

For those interested in learning how organic methods and nutrient management can enhance yield, KhetiGaadi offers counselling and support. Farmers can reach out at 07875114466 or email connect@khetigaadi.com for guidance on improving their agricultural practices. 

Mahindra Yuvo Tech+: First Compressed Bio-Gas Tractor of India

Mahindra, India’s original equipment manufacturer of tractors, has launched a biofuel-powered tractor called the Yuvo Tech+, which also happens to be India’s first Compressed Biogas (CBG) powered tractor. The model which is revolutionary is powered by CBG, a renewable fuel that can be produced from biodegradable raw materials like agricultural residue, food and other solid waste, making it a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Khalon argue that CBG is much greener than CNG, producing lower carbon emissions and energy efficiency. It provides performance and power levels comparable to a diesel tractor and is well suited to farm and haulage tasks without sacrificing reliability.

Mahindra also stressed that its focus on CBG technology demonstrates its commitment to providing cleaner energy technology. India does not have any CNG-powered tractors at the moment, but the Yuvo Tech+ paves the way for future sustainable farming machinery. Mahindra is leading the way into a cleaner, greener, more self-reliant agriculture future in India, through the integration of renewables and advanced technology.

CBG Production Technological Method

Compressed Biogas (CBG) is obtained by the purification of biogas, which is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter by the action of micro-organisms. It’s a process largely governed by four biochemical reactions:

• Breaking down Organic molecules: Hydrolysis: The chemical breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fat into simpler units; etc glucose, amino acids, fatty acids.
• Acidogenesis: Certain bacteria convert these compounds into several Volatile organic acids.
• Acetogenesis: Volatile acids are consumed by the bacteria belonging to the acetic group releasing acetic acid.
• Methanogenesis: methanogenic bacteria use acetic acid to produce methane gas and other gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide.

The biogas generated from these processes usually consists of 55-60% methane, 40-45% carbon dioxide and minute amounts of hydrogen sulphide. For obtaining CBG with {90%%+ methane content, biogas needs to be purified.

Key Purification Methods

PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption):

• High-pressure process separates carbon dioxide by adsorption on activated carbon, zeolites, etc.
• Methane loss is significant (20-30%), and hydrogen sulphide pre-removal is required before the process

Membrane Separation:

• Uses hollow fiber membranes to allow carbon dioxide and contaminants to permeate selectively while keeping the methane.

Chemical Scrubbing (MEA System):

• The Monoethylamine (MEA) used to remove the carbon dioxide removes the carbon chain and leaves up to 99.9% methane purity.
• Some losses of methane but very low (<0.1%), highly efficient.

To increase the efficiency of these processes, advanced technologies such as cryogenic upgrading are also under study. These purification methods lead and grant purified CBG to be high-quality as a renewable energy source.

Compressed Biogas: A Green Fuel Option for India

India has an estimated CBG potential of around 62 MMT along with a capacity to produce 370 MMT of bio-manure. CBG is being produced from diverse biomass sources, such as agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, and sewage treatment plant waste. More of its production potential is provided by other organic materials, including waste from rotten vegetables, dairy plants, and forestry residues.

CBG is a highly purified biogas consisting of more than 90% methane and compliant with specific BIS specifications (IS 16087:2016). This guarantees a maximum of 4% carbon dioxide and a total gasses impurity limit of 10% thus making it a high-quality renewable energy source.

CBG is compressed at 250 bar and transported in cascades or pipelines from the processing stations to the retail outlets; CBG is authorized for motor vehicles by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2015. As a clean and effective fuel, CBG has a huge potential to transform India’s energy and waste management sector.

Comparison of CBG (Compressed Biogas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

Another significant development is the establishment of a Compressed Biogas (CBG) facility in the Punjabi village of Bhutal Kalan by Germany-based Verbio AG. Production of CBG provides many benefits over compressed natural gas (CNG) both in its sustainability, as part of a broader transition of India to sustainable energy.

CBG is a refined product, generated by the anaerobic decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen, which is created from agricultural by-products like cow dung, municipal solid waste, and sugarcane press mud. In the first step, it generates biogas with 55–60% methane and 40–45% carbon dioxide. It is purified by removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide to produce CBG, a fuel that consists of more than 90 percent methane.

CBG is chemically like CNG but comes from renewable sources instead of petroleum by-products and is therefore more sustainable. It serves as a substitute for CNG in transportation and industrial applications, decreasing reliance on foreign-generated fuels. Besides, by-products like bio-manure increase the productivity of agriculture by 20% & carbon dioxide can be used in food preservation and fire extinguishers.

To help promote CBG, in 2018, the Indian government introduced the Sustainable Alternative to Affordable Transport (SATAT) programme having a vision of producing 15 MMT of CBG by 2023. The drive for CBG facilities by oil marketing companies is encouraging entrepreneurial investment in CBG plants — a step forward for India’s clean energy future.

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