New Delhi: NDDB 100 CBG Plants is emerging as one of India’s most ambitious clean energy initiatives. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has announced plans to facilitate the establishment of 100 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across the country.
The move aims to convert cattle dung into sustainable fuel, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, support India’s energy security goals, and create an additional income source for dairy farmers.
The initiative also aligns with India’s broader push toward a circular economy and green energy transition.
Key Highlights of NDDB 100 CBG Plants Plan
- NDDB plans to facilitate the setup of 100 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across India.
- The project will convert cattle dung into high-purity biomethane fuel.
- Farmers will earn additional income through dung sales.
- Organic fertilizer will be produced from the slurry generated during biogas production.
- The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and conventional CNG.
- The plan is inspired by the success of existing NDDB-Suzuki-Banas Dairy biogas projects in Gujarat.
NDDB 100 CBG Plants Plan: What NDDB Chairman Said
According to NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, the board’s vision is to establish at least 100 CBG plants initially. The objective is to collect more cattle dung, convert it into compressed biogas, and use the resulting slurry for organic fertilizer production.
Shah highlighted that CBG can become a major sustainable fuel source for the future because it is produced from renewable agricultural and dairy waste.
How the CBG Plants Will Work
The process is relatively simple:
Step 1: Collection of Dung
- Dairy farmers supply cattle dung to centralized biogas plants.
Step 2: Biogas Production
- Organic waste undergoes anaerobic digestion.
- Biogas is generated naturally.
Step 3: Purification
- Carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed.
- Methane purity has increased to approximately 95%.
Step 4: Compression
- Purified methane is compressed into CBG.
Step 5: Distribution
- The fuel can be used in CNG-compatible vehicles.
Step 6: Fertilizer Production
- The leftover slurry is processed into organic fertilizers.
Why NDDB 100 CBG Plants Plan Matters
1. Reducing Fuel Imports
India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements. CBG produced from domestic agricultural waste can help reduce reliance on imported fuels and improve energy security.
2. Supporting Farmers
The initiative creates a new revenue stream for dairy farmers.
Benefits include:
- Income from milk sales.
- Additional income from dung sales.
- Improved access to organic fertilizers.
- Better waste management practices.
3. Environmental Benefits
CBG plants can:
- Reduce methane emissions from unmanaged dung.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduce chemical fertilizer use.
- Promote sustainable agriculture.
The Gujarat Model Behind the NDDB 100 CBG Plants Plan
The proposed nationwide rollout is based on successful pilot projects in Gujarat.
In September 2023, NDDB, Suzuki R&D Center India, and Banas Dairy signed an agreement to establish four dung-based CBG plants in Banaskantha district. These projects demonstrated that dairy cooperatives can successfully convert cattle waste into fuel and organic fertilizer while generating additional income for farmers.
The partnership combines:
- NDDB’s technical expertise.
- Suzuki’s financial support.
- Dairy cooperatives’ operational network.
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