GAIL Targets Compressed Biogas Expansion as India Advances Towards Net Zero
GAIL is focusing on compressed biogas (CBG) to support India's 2070 net zero target. India's annual waste could potentially produce 40-60 million tonnes of CBG. The government aims to create 15 million tonnes of CBG production domestically, reducing natural gas imports. GAIL has partnered with TruAlt Bioenergy Ltd to establish a nationwide CBG plant network. India's renewable energy progress includes 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity and 20% ethanol blending in petrol. The government has also initiated trials for hydrogen-powered trucks. India currently imports $180 billion worth of fossil fuels annually.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
In a significant move towards India's ambitious net zero target by 2070, GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) is setting its sights on the compressed biogas (CBG) sector. Rajiv Singhal, a key figure at GAIL, emphasized the crucial role of CBG in achieving this environmental milestone.
Untapped Potential in Waste Management
India's waste management landscape presents a substantial opportunity for CBG production. The country generates approximately 7,500 million tonnes of animal and municipal waste annually. This waste has the potential to yield between 40 to 60 million tonnes of CBG per year, highlighting an untapped resource in India's energy sector.
Reducing Natural Gas Imports
Currently, India imports 25.00 million tonnes of natural gas. In contrast, the government has set an ambitious target to create 15.00 million tonnes of CBG production domestically. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the country's dependence on imported natural gas, potentially saving billions in foreign exchange.
GAIL's Strategic Partnership
To accelerate the development of CBG infrastructure, GAIL has announced a partnership with TruAlt Bioenergy Ltd. This collaboration aims to establish a nationwide network of compressed biogas plants, marking a significant step towards realizing India's CBG production goals.
Progress in Renewable Energy
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi shared encouraging statistics on India's progress in renewable energy:
- 50% of India's installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources
- Ethanol blending in petrol has increased from 1.50% to 20.00%
Hydrogen-Powered Transportation
In a move towards cleaner transportation, the government has launched trials for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. The initiative includes:
- 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles
- 9 refueling stations
- A financial outlay of Rs 208.00 crore
India's Energy Import Challenge
Former G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant highlighted India's significant dependence on energy imports:
- India imports $180.00 billion worth of fossil fuels annually
- The country ranks as the world's third-largest energy importer
The push towards compressed biogas and other renewable energy sources is not just an environmental initiative but also a strategic move to reduce India's reliance on imported fossil fuels. As GAIL and other entities ramp up their efforts in the CBG sector, it could mark a transformative shift in India's energy landscape, contributing significantly to the country's net zero aspirations.
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