The Uttar Pradesh government is planning something big! According to the sources, the UP government is thinking of replacing diesel kits in tractors with BioCNG kits. Typically, this initiative aims to increase local CBG consumption and support the economic sustainability of forthcoming biogas plants throughout the state.
According to the sources familiar with the matter, the proposed initiative aims to establish a robust market for CBG by promoting its adoption in farming activities. Officials highlighted that tractors, which are necessary in rural areas, have significant potential for CBG use.
“In collaboration with the agriculture department and other key stakeholders, we are planning to replace diesel kits in tractors with CBG kits across the whole of Uttar Pradesh, enabling tractors to operate on CBG produced from a biogas to bioCNG plant, thereby driving greater demand for this new fuel.” said a UP government official.
The retrofitting initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote clean, renewable energy and reduce the reliance on diesel in the agricultural sector. Officials noted that regulatory approvals and technical assessments are currently in progress to ensure a seamless transition.
CBG, produced in a biogas to CNG plant from biomass and organic waste, is seen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Widespread adoption of CBG is also anticipated to help address agricultural waste management and reduce stubble burning.
“In Uttar Pradesh, at least 25 CBG plants are already operational, with many more in the works. Ensuring consistent local demand is essential for their long-term sustainability; replacing diesel kits with CBG kits will enable these plants to thrive by leveraging local demand.” said another UP Government officer.
Compressed Biogas (CBG), derived from biomass and organic waste, offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Beyond reducing carbon emissions, the use of CBG can play a huge role in addressing agricultural challenges, particularly in managing crop residues and mitigating the widespread issue of stubble burning.
By converting organic waste into energy, the initiative not only supports environmental goals but also strengthens the rural economy through new opportunities in the green energy sector.
“The state is also considering incentive schemes to encourage the conversion of diesel-powered tractors to CBG-compatible engines,” a government official said. According to the reports, UP holds around 24% of India’s total CBG generation potential, estimated at 62 million metric tonnes (MMT).
The state has set an ambitious target of producing 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD) of CBG by 2026-27. This will involve utilizing more than 418 MMT of feedstock annually, including agricultural residues such as sugarcane trash, paddy straw, wheat straw, maize straw, and more with organic waste like mud, animal waste, etc.
The compressed biogas produced is supplied to oil marketing companies for use at CNG retail outlets, blended with domestic gas in city gas distribution networks, utilized by industries for thermal operations, and also serves as a feedstock for green hydrogen production.
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