Fueling a Green Energy Revolution by 2047

Maharashtra stands at the cusp of an energy transformation, with its robust sugar industry poised to spearhead India’s Bio-Compressed Biogas (Bio-CBG) revolution. By strategically leveraging the vast potential of sugarcane by-products, the state can simultaneously achieve energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, setting a compelling precedent for the nation’s Vision 2047.

The sheer scale of Maharashtra’s sugar industry provides an unparalleled foundation for Bio-CBG production. With over 200 operational sugar mills and 135 distilleries, the existing infrastructure offers a significant head start. Annually, the crushing of 120 million tonnes of sugarcane yields substantial by-products – press mud, bagasse, sugarcane trash, and spentwash – which are not waste but valuable feedstocks for Bio-CBG.

Immense potential

The potential is immense. Press mud alone can generate 192,000 tons of Bio-CBG annually, alongside valuable manure and lignin. Utilizing spentwash from non-incineration distilleries could yield another 91,400 tons of Bio-CBG and significant liquid manure. Bagasse, after accounting for current cogeneration uses, presents a potential for 378,000 tons of Bio-CBG and a substantial quantity of lignin. Even the currently collectable sugarcane trash offers a potential of 36,000 tons of Bio-CBG.

Aggregated, Maharashtra possesses a current Bio-CBG production potential exceeding 7 lakh tons. This translates to a significant opportunity to replace imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and other fossil fuels, bolstering the state’s energy independence. Furthermore, Bio-CBG can power transportation, industries, and agriculture, decarbonizing key economic sectors. The process also generates millions of tons of organic manure, reducing reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Lignin extraction offers pathways for bio-bitumen production, contributing to greener infrastructure development. Even captured CO2 and H2S can be converted into valuable industrial resources, fostering a circular bioeconomy.

Vision 2047

Vision 2047 sets an ambitious yet achievable target for Maharashtra to produce 14.60 lakh tons of Bio-CBG annually. This scale of production promises to revolutionize the state’s energy mix, create numerous green jobs in rural areas, and establish a thriving circular economy where waste is minimized and resources are maximized.

To realize this potential, supportive policies at both the national and state levels are crucial. While schemes like SATAT and the National Biofuel Policy provide a foundation, Maharashtra’s dedicated Bioenergy Policy and sugar industry incentives offer targeted support. However, policy gaps remain.

Make CBG Blending Mandatory

A progressive and legally mandated CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) within Maharashtra is essential to create guaranteed demand. Streamlining pipeline access for Bio-CBG injection into City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks and incentivizing the development of localized bio-LNG infrastructure are vital for market reach. Furthermore, establishing robust market mechanisms for valuable by-products like organic manure and bio-bitumen will enhance the economic viability of Bio-CBG projects. Dedicated funding for research and development focused on optimizing Bio-CBG production from sugarcane by-products is also critical.

A clear policy roadmap for Maharashtra should prioritize the implementation of a state-level CBO, ensure streamlined pipeline access, facilitate carbon credit monetization for Bio-CBG projects, enhance state-specific Viability Gap Funding, and actively support the development of value chains for Bio-CBG by-products.

The economic impact of widespread Bio-CBG adoption in Maharashtra will be significant. It will generate numerous green jobs across the value chain, provide new revenue streams for the sugar industry, reduce fertilizer costs for agriculture through the availability of organic manure, and promote sustainable infrastructure development through bio-bitumen production.

By strategically embracing and scaling Bio-CBG production, Maharashtra can solidify its position as a national leader in the bioenergy sector. Its success can serve as a model for other states with similar biomass resources, attracting further investment and fostering technological innovation.

To achieve this vision, a collaborative effort is essential. Policymakers must prioritize supportive frameworks, the sugar industry must invest strategically, farmers and entrepreneurs must actively participate in the value chain, and researchers and investors must focus on innovation.

In conclusion, Maharashtra stands at a pivotal moment. Its robust sugar industry holds the key to unlocking a green energy revolution powered by Bio-CBG. By strategically leveraging sugarcane by-products, implementing supportive policies, and fostering collaboration, Maharashtra can pave the way for a sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy future, serving as a beacon for the rest of India’s journey towards Vision 2047. The potential is immense, and the time for decisive action is now.

Writer Dilip Patil is Co-Chairperson of Indian Federation of Green Energy