Report on Compressed Bio-Gas plants

 

Latest Context:

Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) submitted its report in the parliament regarding the review on implementation of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants.

• In 2018, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative.
• SATAT initiative aims to set up 5000 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants for the production of   atleast 15 Million Metric Ton (MMT) per annum of CBG by the year 2023-24.

Key highlights of the report are:

• PSC found that CBG projects are not being implemented at the desired rate, only around 40 CBG plants have been established so far.
• Need to provide financial support for the development of pipeline infrastructure for connecting CBG projects with the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.
• Need to set up “Bio Fuel Infrastructure Fund” and to establish “Credit Guarantee Fund” to improve the availability of credit to CBG projects.
• It is necessary to develop a solid mechanism for coordination with other ministries and agencies.

About Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)

• CBG also known as Bio-CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), is a type of renewable energy that is produced from organic waste materials through a process called “anaerobic digestion”.
• Anaerobic digestion involves the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen by bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to the production of biogas.
• Biogas primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with little amounts of other gases.
• It is produced from various organic feedstocks such as agricultural residues, food waste, sewage sludge, and other biodegradable materials.
• To convert biogas into CBG, it undergoes a purification process to remove impurities like CO2, water vapour, hydrogen sulfide and siloxanes, resulting in a gas that is primarily methane.
• The purified methane gas is then compressed to high pressures, similar to the compression process used for natural gas, which leads to the production of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG).

Applications of CBG are:

• Transportation: CBG can be used as a fuel for vehicles, especially in CNG vehicles. It offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• Cooking and Heating: CBG can be used for cooking and heating purposes, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional energy sources. It provides a cleaner and renewable option compared to traditional fuels like firewood or charcoal.
• Industrial Applications: CBG can be used in industrial processes that require heat or fuel, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable resources.
• Power Generation: In addition to being used directly as fuel, CBG can also be used in gas engines to generate electricity, providing a decentralized and cleaner energy source.

 

 

Must Check: IAS Coaching Centre In Delhi