HPCL's Biomass-Based CBG Plant in Badaun Promises to Boost Income of Local Farmers

The innovative Biomass-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, has been inaugurated today by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), marking a major advancement towards sustainable energy alternatives. The inauguration ceremony, held on January 27, 2024, was graced by the presence of Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, and Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The CBG Plant in Badaun, with a processing capacity of 100 tons/day of rice straw, represents a groundbreaking initiative in line with the National Biofuel Policy 2018.

The plant is designed to generate 14 tons/day of CBG and 65 tons/day of solid manure. Spread across 50 acres, the project was commissioned with an investment of approximately Rs. 133 crore by HPCL.

Social & Economic Impact of CBG Plant

The CBG Plant aims to boost the income of local farmers by procuring biomass from them and Farmer Producer Organizations. More than 100 people are expected to gain direct employment, with an additional 1000 people benefiting indirectly. The project not only contributes to reducing stubble burning but also enhances soil quality and crop yields through the sale of organic manure.

Unique Features

The CBG production technology is licensed from M/s Praj Industries Limited, Pune, ensuring maximum biogas yield. The plant incorporates a pollution-sensitive Zero Liquid Discharge design, adhering to the stringent norms of the Fertilizer Control Order.

Environmental Impact

CBG, with properties similar to CNG, serves as a green and renewable automotive fuel. The project anticipates a reduction in natural gas and crude imports, a decrease in emissions, and a positive contribution to climate change goals and Swachh Bharat Mission.

Project Cost and Timelines

Approved for Rs. 133 crore, the CBG Plant has been completed mechanically and is currently undergoing trial runs and process stabilization. The plant also features a first-of-its-kind Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) facility, producing organic manure that meets stringent Fertilizer Control Order norms.

Government Emphasis and Future Plans

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that the CBG plant aligns with the government's emphasis on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. He mentioned that more than 100 such biogas plants will be set up in Uttar Pradesh in the coming time.

This initiative reflects the commitment of the government to reduce import dependency, promote green fuels, and create employment opportunities, contributing to the vision of a future grounded in energy access, efficiency, sustainability, and security.