India’s First Cooperative Multi-Feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Kopargaon, in Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra.
The plant has been set up at the Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, marking a historic step in the cooperative sector’s contribution to India’s green energy transition.

Key Highlights

1. First in Cooperative Sugar Sector

• For the first time in India’s cooperative sugar mill history, both a CBG plant and a potash granule production unit are being established.
• The initiative integrates waste-to-wealth principles within the cooperative framework.

2. Feedstock and Process

• The CBG plant utilizes multiple waste and biomass sources, including:
  • Agricultural residue
  • Cattle dung
  • Sugarcane press mud
  • Municipal solid waste
  • Sewage treatment plant waste
• Through anaerobic decomposition, biogas is generated and then purified to remove:
  • Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  • Water vapor
• The purified biogas is then compressed into Compressed Bio Gas (CBG), containing over 90% methane (CH₄).

3. Renewable and Sustainable Energy

• CBG has calorific value and combustion properties similar to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
• It can replace CNG as a green, renewable automotive fuel, and also serve industrial and commercial uses.

4. National Potential and Benefits

• India’s estimated CBG potential is about 62 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually.
• It also enables biomanure generation of up to 370 MMT, promoting organic farming.
• The initiative supports energy self-reliance, waste management, and rural income diversification.