Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated GAIL’s inaugural Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, via a virtual ceremony. This plant has a significant capacity of 12,500 cubic meters per day, specifically designed to convert 150 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste into 5,000 kilograms of Bio-CNG and 25 tons of fermented bio-manure daily.
The inauguration was attended by Union Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth, various officials from GAIL, Chief General Manager (CBG) Yougesh Kumar, Executive Director for the Eastern Zone R. K. Das, Executive Director for City Gas Distribution H. K. Garg, and representatives from the Pollution Control Board, PESO, and the Ranchi District Commissioner. This notable event marked a significant milestone for both GAIL and the state of Jharkhand.
Situated on a sprawling 7.86 acres at the Jhir Dumping Site in the Mouza Jhiri area of Ranchi, the biogas generated at this facility will be directed to local CNG stations, with the potential to fuel over 600 vehicles daily in the surrounding region. This initiative is aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat movement, which aims to promote the adoption of clean and sustainable fuel sources.
The purification process employed at the plant utilizes innovative water scrubbing technology, which is integral to enhancing the quality of the bio-CNG produced. Furthermore, CEID Consultants and Engineering are tasked with managing the comprehensive process of designing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning the biogas plant.
They are responsible for delivering complete turnkey solutions, which encompass gas generation, purification, and the pre-treatment processes necessary for the CBG plant to function effectively. The wet waste required for this plant will be sourced from households, businesses, and other establishments within Ranchi, collected by the Ranchi municipal authorities.
In March 2021, a Concession Agreement (CA) was signed between GAIL and the Ranchi Municipal Corporation in the presence of Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, formalizing the establishment of this important facility. At the inauguration, Prince Gandhi, the CEO and Founder of CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are elated to announce the successful commissioning of GAIL India Ltd’s first compressed biogas facility in the country. The significance of this plant is twofold, as it represents the first such facility not only for GAIL but also for the state of Jharkhand.”
Gandhi emphasized that this initiative supports the principles of a circular economy while simultaneously bolstering the local economy by utilizing waste from Ranchi and cow dung to produce clean energy. He noted that the Ranchi plant will play a crucial role in generating local employment opportunities and invigorating rural economies. Additionally, it will enhance energy security and contribute to reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Highlighting the environmental advantages of the project, Gandhi stated, “This initiative aligns with various government objectives such as Waste to Wealth, Circular Economy, Make in India, Clean India, and Green India. It also contributes towards achieving the Net Zero target by 2038, which focuses on minimizing carbon footprints.”
Gandhi also pointed out the beneficial byproducts generated from the facility, particularly the organic manure produced as a secondary product, which can serve as a natural fertilizer. This, in turn, will enhance soil fertility and health in agricultural fields, showcasing the project’s multifaceted advantages.
By transforming municipal waste into a valuable resource, GAIL’s CBG plant not only addresses waste management issues but also promotes sustainable practices that can lead to a greener and healthier future for Jharkhand and beyond.
