Adarsh Gaushala: India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant

November 23, 2024

GS Paper III Environment

The Adarsh Gaushala, Gwalior MP has achieved a landmark feat with the establishment of India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala that houses a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant.

About Compressed Biogas (CBG)

It is a renewable gaseous fuel produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like agricultural residues, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste.

About Gwalior’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

Capacity: It can process 100 tons of cattle dung daily to produce 2-3 tons of Bio-CNG. 10-15 tons of bio-manure for organic farming.
It incorporates windrow composting for additional organic waste processing.
- Windrow Composting: It is a method of composting that involves piling organic waste into long rows, called windrows, and turning them regularly to improve the compost.

Production: It requires purification of biogas (to remove impurities like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and moisture).
- This refined and compressed gas, containing over 90% methane, becomes CBG, boasting properties similar to conventional compressed natural gas (CNG).
Properties:
- Calorific value & properties similar to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
- Serves as a green, renewable fuel.
Applications: It can replace CNG in automotive, industrial, & commercial sectors.

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Government Initiatives for Compressed Biogas (CBG)

Phased Mandatory Blending of CBG: It was announced in 2024 Interim Budget → CBG with CNG (transportation) and PNG (domestic use)→ Transition to a green gas-based economy & Address environmental degradation and promote cleaner energy sources.
National Policy on Biofuels 2018: It emphasises on promotion of advanced Biofuels including CBG.
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) Scheme: It aims to convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to Bio-CNG (CBG) and compost.
Central Financial Assistance for Bio-CNG: Notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- Financial assistance under the program is available for Biogas generation, Bio CNG generation, Power generation from MSW, Biomass Gasifier etc.
SATAT Initiative: It promotes entrepreneurs to set up Compressed Biogas plants, produce and supply CBG to Oil Marketing Companies for sale as automotive & industrial fuels.
RBI priority sector lending: It includes loans (up to ₹50 crore) for start-ups setting up CBG plants.
IREDA Business Plan (2022–2026): It includes financial assistance for CBG in its disbursement targets.

Additional Reading: Compressed Biogas (CBG)- Potential and Its Challenges

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