Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani is venturing into a new energy sector, eyeing sugarcane press mud for Compressed Biogas (CBG) production. RIL is in talks with sugar mills, signaling a shift towards biogas amidst the growing focus on green energy.
RIL is reportedly reaching out to sugar mill operators for a daily supply of sugarcane press mud, a key ingredient for CBG production. As the world leans towards greener alternatives, biogas is emerging as a vital component in India’s clean energy landscape.
Ambani’s plan includes setting up 100 CBG plants over the next five years. Other major players, such as Adani Group, Jio-BP, and Thermax, are also making strides in the CBG sector. The move aligns with the government’s goal to increase the share of gas in the energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030.
Biogas has the potential to enhance India’s energy security and reduce reliance on imported natural gas. A proposed 5% blending of biogas with natural gas could annually save $1.17 billion in LNG imports, according to the Indian Biogas Association.
Despite the advantages, biogas adoption faces challenges in India, including an underdeveloped market ecosystem and complex regulatory procedures. Recent government initiatives, such as the National Bioenergy Scheme and GOBARdhan, aim to address these gaps.
Gaurav Kedia, Chairman of the Indian Biogas Association, notes the growing attractiveness of biogas for private companies, citing mature technology, financial support, and a market demand for organic fertilizers.
