Can Biogas Aid India’s Energy Security

Continuing tensions in West Asia, including disruptions associated with Israel–U.S.–Iran conflict has increased uncertainty in global energy markets.India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirements, much of it from West Asia.

What is Biogas? 
Biogas is a renewable fuel produced through the anaerobic digestion (breakdown in the absence of oxygen) of organic matter. It mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide, along with small amounts of other gases. It is generated from feedstocks such as animal dung, agricultural residues, municipal organic waste, food waste, and sewage. Biogas can be used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of energy.

Importance for India
●    Reduces dependence on imported crude oil, LPG and natural gas.
●    Converts agricultural and municipal waste into useful energy.
●    Helps control stubble burning, air pollution and methane emissions.
●    Provides additional income and employment to farmers and rural communities.
●    Produces organic manure as a useful by-product.

Major Government Initiatives
SATAT Initiative- The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation initiative, launched in 2018, targeted the establishment of 5,000 CBG plants by 2023. However, only 132 plants had been completed by June 2026.
GOBARdhan Scheme- The scheme promotes a waste-to-wealth approach by converting cattle dung and organic waste into biogas and fertiliser. Assistance of up to ₹50 lakh per district has been provided for community biogas plants.
The government has also allocated funds for biomass-collection machinery and pipelines connecting CBG plants with gas grids.

Reasons for Limited Progress
●    High cost of setting up biogas plants and purification systems.
●    Poor biomass collection, transportation and storage infrastructure.
●    Difficulty in accessing affordable formal credit.
●    Lack of assured feedstock and stable demand.
●    Limited pipeline connectivity and private-sector investment.

Impact on Cropping Patterns
International experience shows that excessive incentives for energy crops can affect food security. In Germany, generous incentives encouraged farmers to grow large quantities of maize for biogas, leading to the replacement of other food crops. The government later restricted maize usage.
India is also witnessing a rise in maize cultivation due to higher administered prices for maize-based ethanol. This may discourage the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and millets, increasing import dependence and food-price vulnerability.
Denmark’s Model- Denmark aims to use only biomethane in its gas network by 2030. However, it discourages the use of dedicated crops and mainly relies on livestock manure, agricultural residue and organic waste. India can adopt a similar waste-based biogas model.

Mandatory CBG Blending
In 2023, the National Biofuels Coordination Committee approved mandatory CBG blending in gas supplies. The blending obligation is expected to begin at 1% in FY2026 and gradually rise to 5% by FY2029.
CBG will be blended with CNG used in transportation and Piped Natural Gas used for domestic purposes.
India should prioritise cattle dung, crop residue, municipal waste and food-processing waste instead of food crops. Long-term purchase agreements, stable prices, concessional finance, tax incentives and improved pipeline connectivity are required. Farmer cooperatives, municipalities and private companies should be involved in biomass collection and plant operation.
Biogas can strengthen India’s energy security, reduce waste and pollution, and generate rural employment. However, its success depends on adequate infrastructure, affordable financing, assured markets and a policy that promotes waste-based feedstock without disturbing crop diversity and food security.