ES Ranganathan Highlights Biogas Plant Innovations as Key to India's Sustainable Energy Future
Government policies and financial incentives have significantly boosted the adoption of biogas technology in India. Various state and central programs offer subsidies, tax benefits, and grants to support the establishment of biogas plants. Additionally, schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to provide clean cooking fuel to rural households, have further promoted the use of biogas technology. In her 2023-24 budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the setup of 500 biogas plants across the country under the Gobardhan scheme, with 75 of these plants to be established in urban areas, according to ES Ranganathan.
The widespread use of biogas technology is crucial for mitigating climate change. Producing biogas captures and utilizes methane—a potent greenhouse gas—that would otherwise be released during the decomposition of organic waste. This process helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with India's commitment to combat climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreement, as mentioned by ES Ranganathan.
The recent launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi could significantly benefit India. According to the Indian Biogas Association (IBA), biogas opportunities worth $500 billion could emerge over the next three years, with $200 billion specifically from biogas. For India, adopting biofuels aims to reduce reliance on importing crude oil from the Middle East and other regions, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels.