Badaun: In a significant stride towards sustainable energy production, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) inaugurated its pioneering Biomass-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Badaun today. The esteemed event was graced by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, along with Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, and other dignitaries.
The state-of-the-art CBG plant, commissioned by HPCL with an investment of approximately Rs. 133 crore, boasts a processing capacity of 100 Metric Tons Per Day (MTPD) of rice straw. It has the capability to generate 14 MTPD of Compressed Biogas along with 65 MTPD of solid manure. The expansive facility spans across 50 acres, showcasing a commitment to green and sustainable practices.
The inauguration aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, as outlined in the National Biofuel Policy 2018. This strategic move contributes to the government’s target of reducing import dependency by 10%, with a specific focus on second-generation (2G) bio refineries and Compressed Bio-Gas Plants.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the pivotal role of the CBG plant in reducing stubble burning across 17,500-20,000 acres of fields. This reduction translates into an annual decrease of 55,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the CBG plant is expected to generate direct employment for around 100 people and indirect employment for approximately 1000 individuals.
Looking ahead, Minister Puri announced plans for setting up more than 100 such biogas plants in Uttar Pradesh, further contributing to the state’s sustainable energy portfolio.
During the inauguration, Minister Puri applauded Uttar Pradesh’s performance in various Government of India schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Smart Cities Mission, and PM SVANidhi scheme.
The Minister also provided a snapshot of the progress witnessed by the state in the oil and gas sector over the past 9.5 years. The remarkable advancements include an increase in the number of petrol pumps, LPG distributors, PNG connections, CNG stations, and LPG connections.
The inauguration of HPCL’s CBG plant marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Uttar Pradesh and the nation at large.