Uttar Pradesh to get 100 biogas plants: Hardeep Puri

Hardeep Puri, the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, commended the initiation of eight new compressed biogas plants in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the state's strong commitment to clean energy. Addressing an audience at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence, Puri noted that while the country had set clear targets, Uttar Pradesh aimed even higher with a commitment to establish 100 biogas plants, in contrast to the sanctioned/inaugurated 37 plants.

The recently inaugurated plant in Badaun, spanning 50 acres with a Rs 135 crore investment, is set to produce 14 tonnes of compressed biogas daily. Beyond the incentives provided by the Union government, the state offers grants of up to Rs 20 crore under its bio-energy policy, along with low lease rents and electricity subsidies. Recognizing the limited availability of agricultural residue, the state government grants support for the optimal collection of residue through machinery.

Puri emphasized the importance of transitioning to biofuels, especially given the environmental hazards associated with burning agricultural residue and India's substantial petroleum consumption of 5 million barrels per day. The state of Uttar Pradesh has implemented the State BioEnergy Promotion Programme—2018, offering additional benefits such as 100% reimbursement of state GST for 10 years and complete exemption in stamp duty on land purchases for bio-energy enterprises.

Chief Minister Adityanath reiterated his government's commitment to realizing the Prime Minister's 'waste to energy' vision. He emphasized the multifaceted benefits, including addressing pollution concerns, augmenting farmers' income by purchasing agricultural residue, creating employment opportunities, and attracting investments.

Uttar Pradesh's policy further focuses on developing alternative feedstock for bio-energy plants, encouraging the cultivation of non-edible oil seeds like karanj, neem, castor, and jatropha. Planting small rotation crops such as jowar and energy grass aims to provide additional feedstock for bio-energy production, with a focus on involving farmer-producer companies or rural entrepreneurs in the plantation and production process on barren and infertile lands.

(With inputs from PTI)