The Indian Government is strategizing to launch the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative, which aims to promote Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) as a viable and environment-friendly alternative to traditional fuel sources in transportation. The initiative is touted to not only benefit vehicle users but also stimulate rural productivity by providing benefits to farmers and encouraging entrepreneurship.
The Role of Independent Entrepreneurs and Funding
Part of this progressive scheme involves establishing Compressed Bio-Gas plants, predominantly by independent entrepreneurs. The programme will be financed under the Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) division of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G). The primary aim of such funding is to directly provide benefits to households in selected villages via Gram Panchayats.
Mitigating Pollution and Reducing Crude Oil Dependence
The SATAT initiative plays a crucial role in managing solid waste effectively at the municipal level, combating the issue of polluted urban air arising from farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions. Additionally, the use of CBG has the potential to significantly reduce our dependence on imported crude oil. As an added advantage, the initiative assists in augmenting farmers’ income, bolstering rural employment, and fostering entrepreneurship.
Understanding Bio-gas and CBG’s Energy Potential
Bio-gas is a natural product of anaerobic decomposition occurring in waste or bio-mass sources such as agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, among others. After purification, this gas is compressed into CBG, which contains over 95% pure methane.
Remarkably similar to commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential, CBG can serve as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel.
Compressed Bio-Gas: A Realistic Alternative to CNG
Given the prevalence of biomass in India, CBG holds the potential to supplant Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across various applications including automotive, industrial and commercial usage in the near future. Integrating Compressed Bio-Gas networks with city gas distribution (CGD) networks could enhance supplies to domestic and retail users.
The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 has also brought into focus the active promotion of advanced biofuels, including CBG.
The GOBAR-DHAN Scheme: Paving Way for CBG and Compost
In a bid to further harness the potential of bio-gas, the Government of India has previously introduced the GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme. This innovative strategy seeks to transform cattle dung and solid farm waste into CBG and compost, thereby converting waste into valuable resources.
Overall, these forward-thinking initiatives underline the government’s commitment to fostering green alternatives for a sustainable future.
