First CBG Plant : A Milestone in Clean and Green Energy
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the MEPL BioEnergy biogas plant in Batala, marking a significant step towards renewable energy adoption in Punjab and Haryana. The event also celebrated the launch of a compressed biogas (CBG) facility with city gas distribution (CGD) connectivity and the upgrade of the Batala and Gurdaspur sugar mills to produce biogas from waste.
Key Highlights of the First CBG Plant .
- Facility Details:
- Location: Batala, Punjab
- Land Area: Approximately 10 acres
- Investment: Rs 35 crore
- Daily Processing Capacity: 100 tonnes of pressmud (sugar mill by-product)
- Biogas Output: 5.6 tonnes per day (tpd)
- Support and Collaboration:
- Backed by Sugarfed Punjab, the plant processes waste from sugar mills in Batala and Gurdaspur.
- Established in partnership with CEID Consultants and Engineering, an EPC leader in the CBG sector.
- Biogas supplied via Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) for piped natural gas (PNG) distribution to nearby areas.
First-of-its-Kind CGD Connectivity
This facility is the first in Punjab to integrate compressed biogas (CBG) production with CGD connectivity, enabling the distribution of clean energy.
- GGL has already converted its first domestic PNG customer in a nearby village, showcasing the feasibility and success of the clean energy initiative.
- This project aims to deliver clean, green energy to households and businesses, reducing dependency on traditional fuels.
Supporting a Clean Energy Revolution
The inauguration aligns with both the Government of India’s and Punjab’s initiatives to promote renewable energy, curb air pollution, and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural and industrial waste.
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduces air pollution caused by the burning of sugar mill waste.
- Encourages the circular economy by converting pressmud into clean energy.
- Economic and Social Benefits:
- Creates local jobs and supports rural development.
- Provides a steady supply of cost-effective, eco-friendly energy to households and industries.
A Step Towards Sustainability
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann highlighted the importance of such initiatives in reducing air pollution and fostering renewable energy adoption in Punjab. He stated:
“This biogas facility exemplifies our commitment to creating a clean and sustainable future for Punjab. It aligns perfectly with our vision of a greener state while contributing to India’s clean energy goals.”
Future Prospects
The MEPL BioEnergy plant sets a precedent for similar projects in other regions. With the success of this initiative, Punjab is poised to become a leader in clean energy and sustainable waste management.
FAQs : First CBG Plant
1. What is the primary purpose of the CBG plant in Batala?
The plant converts pressmud from sugar mills into compressed biogas (CBG), which is then supplied as piped natural gas (PNG) to nearby areas.
2. How does this project benefit the environment?
It reduces air pollution by repurposing sugar mill waste into clean energy, promoting renewable energy use and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Who are the key collaborators in this project?
The project is a collaboration between MEPL BioEnergy, Sugarfed Punjab, CEID Consultants and Engineering, and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL).
4. What is the capacity of the plant?
The facility processes 100 tonnes of pressmud daily to produce 5.6 tonnes of biogas per day.
5. What is CGD connectivity, and why is it significant?
City Gas Distribution (CGD) connectivity enables the delivery of biogas through pipelines to residential and industrial consumers, ensuring a steady and clean energy supply.