Engineers India Limited (EIL) has officially moved from planning to execution with the start of site activities for its flagship Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. This self-funded project is a strategic milestone in India’s transition to a circular economy, turning agricultural waste into high-value automotive fuel.
The Engineering Blueprint: Waste to Watts
Located in the MIDC Halkarni Industrial Area, the facility is a masterclass in regional resource optimization. By situating the plant in Kolhapur—a major sugar-producing belt—EIL has ensured a steady supply of feedstock.
- Feedstock Efficiency: The plant will consume 125 tonnes per day (TPD) of press mud (a byproduct of sugar filtration).
- CBG Output: It is designed to produce 5 TPD of high-purity Compressed Biogas.
- Clean Mobility Link: The biogas will be sold to HPOIL and distributed through HPCL retail outlets, directly replacing traditional fossil fuels like CNG in vehicles.
Analysis: Closing the Agriculture Loop
What makes the Kolhapur project a “circular economy” pioneer is its commitment to zero waste. The “leftovers” from the gas production process are arguably as valuable as the gas itself:
- Fermented Organic Manure (FOM): Solid nutrient-rich fertilizer.
- Liquid FOM (LFOM): A fast-acting liquid bio-fertilizer.By providing these back to the local farmers who supply the press mud, EIL is creating a sustainable cycle that improves soil health and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Strategic Context: SATAT & Net Zero
This project is a tangible piece of the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) puzzle. With India targeting Net Zero by 2070, small-to-midscale plants like this one are critical for:
- Energy Independence: Reducing the import bill for natural gas.
- Rural Wealth: Generating employment and additional income for sugar mills and farmers.
- Carbon Sequestration: Preventing the methane emissions that would otherwise occur if press mud were left to decompose in the open.
Quick Look: Vitals of the Kolhapur CBG Plant
| Metric | Specification |
| Capacity | 5 Tonnes per Day (TPD) of CBG |
| Input Material | 125 TPD Sugar Mill Press Mud |
| Primary Tech | Advanced Bio-methanation (Anaerobic Digestion) |
| Project Funding | Self-funded by Engineers India Ltd |
| Key By-products | FOM (Solid) and LFOM (Liquid) Manure |