Reliance to establish 100 compressed biogas plants in India by 2029

Mumbai-listed conglomerate Reliance Industries plans to set up 100 compressed biogas (CBG) or bio-CNG plants across India within the next five years, according to its 2023-24 annual report.

"The goal is to establish 100 CBG plants over the next five years, using 5.5mn tonnes/year of agro-residue and organic waste. This will mitigate nearly 2mn tonnes of carbon emissions annually and produce 2.5mn tonnes of organic manure, significantly reducing LNG imports," the company stated.

Reliance recently inaugurated its first CBG plant in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, and plans to expand to 25 CBG plants across India in the near term. Last year, DBS Bank announced the establishment of a financing programme tailored to meet the needs of Reliance's CBG initiatives.

The company’s goals align with the Indian government's recent policy mandating the blending of CBG in compressed natural gas (CNG) and domestic piped natural gas (PNG) segments. This policy requires a compulsory blending obligation starting at 1% of total CNG and domestic PNG consumption in fiscal year 2025-26, gradually increasing to 5% by fiscal year 2028-29.

This initiative is expected to boost demand for CBG, reduce LNG imports, promote a circular economy by utilising organic waste, and contribute to achieving India's net-zero emission targets.