ES Ranganathan: Biogas Plant Progress in India Could Herald a Sustainable Energy Revolution
India's growing population and rising energy demands make it essential to find sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources. Biogas is emerging as a promising solution. Produced from organic waste, biogas is a renewable energy source that has gained attention for its ability to reduce energy poverty and environmental damage. ES Ranganathan, former Director at GAIL, highlights the importance of biogas in helping India reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
India's biogas market is expected to grow from $1.47 billion in 2022 to $2.25 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 6.3%. This rapid expansion shows that India's biogas industry presents a significant opportunity.
Recently, major companies like Reliance Industries, Adani Group, and Indian Oil have started setting up compressed biogas (CBG) plants, marking a major step towards a sustainable energy future.
Several successful biogas projects in India highlight the potential of this technology. For instance, the ‘Delhi Milk Scheme Biogas Plant’ uses dairy waste to generate biogas, reducing waste disposal problems and energy costs for the dairy. This project demonstrates how biogas technology can be successfully implemented in urban areas, addressing both waste management and energy supply challenges.
With a track record of success and positive examples, biogas is proving to be a viable solution for India's energy needs while also helping to reduce environmental impacts.