BPCL Urges Collaborative Efforts for Compressed Biogas Projects in Maharashtra

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has called for a unified approach involving the central government, the Maharashtra state government, industry stakeholders, and financial institutions to expedite the implementation of compressed biogas (CBG) projects in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to transform agricultural residues, cattle dung, and municipal waste into clean energy. The call to action was made during a workshop titled 'Waste to Wealth – Scaling GOBARdhan' held in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Maharashtra government.

During the workshop, BPCL's Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjay Khanna, emphasized the potential of CBG to convert organic waste into renewable energy, thereby supporting agriculture, waste management, and rural livelihoods. He stated that CBG not only provides a sustainable energy solution but also enhances soil fertility through the production of organic manure, creating a beneficial cycle between clean energy generation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Vikas Singh, Director (GP) at MoPNG, presented the central government's vision for expanding the GOBARdhan initiative. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including government departments, urban local bodies, farmers, and financial institutions, to facilitate the growth of CBG projects. Singh urged the Maharashtra government to align its policies with the GOBARdhan initiative, establish a land bank, and assess the availability of feedstock to support project development.

Maharashtra's Chief Secretary, Rajesh Aggarwal, underscored the significant role of agricultural and municipal solid waste in generating clean energy and improving waste management practices. He called for efficient utilization of these resources to maximize their potential. The workshop also covered the GOBARdhan scheme, the Model State CBG Policy, and Maharashtra's specific CBG policy requirements, highlighting the need for streamlined approvals and stable pricing to overcome existing challenges in the sector.

BPCL reaffirmed its commitment to the CBG sector as a producer, offtaker, and facilitator, advocating for collaboration among government agencies, farmers, cooperatives, and industry players. The company aims to translate policy objectives into actionable projects that will benefit the environment and rural communities in Maharashtra.