ONGC Partners with EverEnviro to Establish Compressed Biogas Plants in India
In a significant move to reduce India’s reliance on imported gas and boost renewable energy production, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has partnered with EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. to establish 10 compressed biogas (CBG) plants across the country. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the first phase of an ambitious project aimed at enhancing domestic renewable energy production.
Strategic Joint Venture between ONGC and EverEnviro
The Joint Venture (JV), equally shared between ONGC and EverEnviro, aligns with the Government of India’s efforts under the Global Bio-fuels Alliance and its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The project will utilize various feedstocks, including agricultural waste, agro-industrial waste, energy crops, and municipal solid waste (MSW), and is expected to mitigate around 7.5 lakh tons of CO2 equivalent annually.
Commitment to Clean Energy
Satyan Kumar, Executive Director and Chief Corporate Strategy Officer at ONGC, emphasized the company’s commitment to clean energy transition, stating, “ONGC has set sights on being net zero by 2038 and hence we recognize the urgency of transition to clean energy by utilizing agro-industrial waste and municipal solid waste. Our partnership with EverEnviro in establishing CBG plants will significantly contribute to mitigating carbon emissions.” He highlighted the importance of alternative fuels like biogas in meeting India’s energy demands while promoting circular economy principles and effective waste management.
Advancing Renewable Energy Production
Deepak Agarwal, Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at EverEnviro, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration. “Our collaboration with ONGC represents a significant milestone in our journey toward advancing renewable energy production in India. These projects will give a fillip to key government initiatives such as the GOBARdhan scheme, Waste to Wealth, Make in India, Circular Economy, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Agarwal also noted the environmental benefits of the byproduct from these plants, stating, “The fermented organic manure produced as a byproduct of CBG will promote regenerative agriculture, enhancing soil health and fertility in the catchment areas.”
Expanding CBG Projects Across India
EverEnviro aims to establish over 100 CBG plants across India, utilizing diverse feedstocks. The company is already executing more than 20 CBG projects in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, with a substantial investment nearing Rs 2,000 crore. This investment is expected to produce a robust output of 320 metric tons per day of CBG, significantly boosting the renewable energy sector in India.
Government Initiatives and Environmental Impact
The joint initiative by ONGC and EverEnviro aligns with several key government initiatives. The GOBARdhan scheme aims to manage and convert cattle dung and solid waste into biogas and organic manure, thus promoting a circular economy and waste-to-wealth principles. The Make in India initiative encourages local manufacturing and self-reliance, while the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign emphasizes reducing dependency on imports and enhancing domestic capabilities.
The environmental impact of these CBG plants is also noteworthy. By utilizing waste materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution, the project helps in effective waste management and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the byproduct of the biogas production process, fermented organic manure, contributes to regenerative agriculture, improving soil health and fertility.
Way Forward
The partnership between ONGC and EverEnviro to set up compressed biogas plants is a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on imported gas and enhancing domestic renewable energy production. This initiative supports the Government of India’s efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and promotes key government schemes aimed at waste management, circular economy, and self-reliance. With substantial investments and a focus on utilizing diverse feedstocks, this collaboration is set to make a substantial impact on India’s renewable energy sector and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
