State’s first bio-CNG plant to come up in Kurukshetra

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, October 19

The state’s first bio-CNG plant based on agri-waste may soon come up in Kurukshetra.

Sources said Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) would build the compressed biogas plant (CBP) that would offer a green solution to the disposal of crop residue and other organic matter.

Deputy Commissioner SS Phulia said the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) had, last month, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the IOCL.

“A CBP plant is reportedly planned in the district. But we are yet to get inputs about the project site and other details,” Phulia said.

Sources in the HAREDA, however, said the IOCL had proposed several CBPs in five years. The foundation stone of the first such plant may be laid here next month.

As per the MoU, the total capacity of the proposed multi-facilities would be about 1,000 tonnes per day of compressed biogas, the sources said.

According to officials, the state wants to promote agriculture waste-based biomass or waste-to-compressed-biogas (bio-CNG) plants in the state to curb stubble-burning and scientific disposal of agriculture waste.

“The IOCL has an underground network crossing through Kurukshetra. It is connected to refineries in northern India. The proposed CBP will be connected to the same network,” the DC said.

Sources said the initiative would not only increase farmers’ income by way of selling crop residue, but also create jobs in villages.

Green solution to stubble fires 

Compressed biogas could be used as a green automotive fuel as in the case of commercially available CNG. The bio-CNG production will reduce pollution caused by the burning of crop residue. Also, organic waste from the fields will become an economic alternative, providing farmers with additional sources of revenue.