Assam: PM Modi virtually launches 4 biogas plants in state

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually kick-started the construction of four compressed biogas plants in Assam thus taking a step towards fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape

The four projects are spearheaded by the Oil India Limited (OIL) in Guwahati, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Tinsukia.

The Oil India Limited in close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) plans to set up a total of 25 compressed biogas plants by 2024-25 through Public Sector Unit investments or partnerships with private entrepreneurs, the MoPNG said in a press statement.  

This initiative represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. OIL has developed a strategic plan to diversify into alternative energy, targeting net-zero by 2040 while reaping economic, environmental and social benefits, it added.

By transforming municipal solid waste into compressed biogas, OIL is fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for all. These plants feature advanced zero liquid discharge systems, ensuring minimal impact on the environment, it said.

Also Read: Assam: Eight products including Bodo Aronai secure GI Tags

Each plant is capable of processing 125 tonnes of municipal solid waste from the nearby municipalities every day. In turn, this waste will be converted into approximately two tonnes of compressed biogas per day, it added.

The produced biogas can be integrated into the nearest available city gas distribution network or supplied directly to the compressed natural gas retailers. This efficient use of waste contributes to reducing pollution, while also providing an alternative source of clean energy, it said.

The initiative aims to promote the use of compressed biogas as a clean and affordable fuel. The plants are poised to create significant job opportunities in the local communities, it added.

The initiative will also contribute to reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels, strengthening energy independence and self-sufficiency, it said.

As India moves towards its vision of becoming a clean energy leader, the setting up of these compressed biogas plants marks a crucial step forward in achieving a greener and more resilient future, the statement further said.