Indore is making significant progress in waste management by converting urban wet waste into clean energy. The city’s biogas plant processes 500 tonnes of daily waste to produce 21 tonnes of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG). This project currently fuels 400 city buses and provides a sustainable solution for urban waste disposal. The plant operates under a Public Private Partnership model and achieves a methane purity of over 95 per cent.
How does the Indore Biogas plant work and who manages it?
The plant operates under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with an investment of 150 crore rupees by IEISL. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2022 to support the GOBARdhan initiative. The facility processes segregated wet organic waste to achieve a methane purity of over 95 per cent. The Indore Municipal Corporation purchases at least 50 per cent of the gas at a discounted rate to run public transport. The private company pays an annual premium of 2.5 crore rupees to the corporation for the provided wet waste.
Key data points and environmental benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Waste Processed | 500 tonnes per day |
| CBG Output | 21 tonnes daily |
| Buses Powered | 400 city buses |
| Fertilizer Produced | 40-100 tonnes daily |
| Investment | 150 Crore Rupees |
| Emission Reduction | 70,000-130,000 tonnes CO2 annually |
The project is helping the city move towards a circular economy by using waste to generate wealth. Apart from fuel, the plant produces high-quality organic fertilizer which helps in reducing the use of chemical alternatives in farming. This setup is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 and aligns with the national goal of sustainable transportation. It is currently recognized as one of the most productive CBG facilities in India.
Latest updates on expansion and new projects
The state government is pushing for more green energy projects across Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently inaugurated new plants in Bhopal, Indore, and Satna established by Reliance Green Energy. These new facilities are expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 17,000 tons. Furthermore, GAIL India is investing 13 crore rupees in subsidiary companies to set up more CBG plants in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra to boost the clean fuel sector across the country.
