New Delhi: GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited have entered a partnership to develop Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects using agricultural residue, marking a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions in India. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies will collaborate to set up CBG plants across the country, focusing on utilising farm waste to create renewable energy.

The MoU, signed in the presence of Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL, along with Claus Sauter, CEO of VERBIO Group, aims to harness the combined expertise of both organisations to identify locations for establishing greenfield CBG plants. These plants will be developed through a joint venture model, with the parties conducting feasibility studies to determine the most effective sites. Following successful assessments, the companies plan to seek investment approvals to move forward with establishing these facilities.

As part of the partnership, GAIL may also explore potential equity in VERBIO’s existing CBG plant in Punjab. This collaboration builds on VERBIO’s initial success in producing CBG from agricultural residue in Punjab, which has demonstrated the viability of such projects in addressing challenges like stubble burning.

Sandeep Kumar Gupta highlighted the initiative’s benefits to India’s energy goals, noting that converting agricultural waste into biogas will not only enhance energy security but also support farmers by creating new revenue streams. According to Claus Sauter, the collaboration with GAIL is an opportunity to expand VERBIO’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing a clean, local energy source that also boosts the rural economy.

This partnership between GAIL and VERBIO India reflects a commitment to innovative biofuel solutions that bring economic and environmental benefits to the country.

BI Bureau