GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to jointly establish agricultural residue-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in India. The MoU, signed in the presence of GAIL CMD Sandeep Kumar Gupta and VERBIO Group CEO Claus Sauter, marks a significant collaboration to promote sustainable energy through agricultural waste utilization.
Sumit Kishore, GAIL’s Executive Director for Business Development, and Ashish Kumar, VERBIO’s Managing Director, formalized the agreement. According to the statement, “This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to promote sustainable energy solutions and enhance utilization of agricultural waste.”
Under the MoU, GAIL and VERBIO will scout for locations to set up greenfield CBG plants, intending to complete feasibility studies and gain investment approval from their respective management. They also plan to establish a Joint Venture (JV) company to manage the projects. Additionally, GAIL may consider acquiring equity in VERBIO’s existing CBG plant in Punjab.
GAIL CMD Gupta highlighted the initiative as a significant step toward clean energy and sustainable agricultural practices, stating, “By harnessing agricultural residues for CBG production, we aim to contribute to the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals while supporting local farmers.”
VERBIO Group CEO Claus Sauter emphasized the environmental impact, noting that the project aligns with efforts to address stubble burning while boosting rural economies. He added, “With GAIL as a partner, VERBIO will be able to replicate the success of CBG concepts already implemented in Punjab across India, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a positive environmental impact.”
