GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German bioenergy company Verbio AG to establish compressed biogas (CBG) plants in India. These facilities, which will utilize agricultural residue as a primary resource, are set to bolster India’s renewable energy capacity and address critical environmental concerns surrounding agricultural waste.

The MoU envisions multiple biogas plants across strategic locations, focusing on converting agri-residues, including crop stubble, into compressed biogas. This initiative is expected to reduce the practice of open-field burning, a prevalent issue contributing to air pollution in several northern Indian states. With CBG production, GAIL and Verbio aim to harness local bio-resources, delivering a sustainable energy source and fostering cleaner agricultural practices.

GAIL, a key player in India’s natural gas sector, brings robust infrastructure and distribution expertise to the table, while Verbio contributes advanced biogas technology and operational experience. This partnership highlights India’s commitment to advancing bioenergy solutions and low-carbon alternatives. The biogas produced will support transportation and industrial sectors, offering an eco-friendly fuel option that aligns with India’s energy diversification and emission reduction goals.

The collaboration aligns with the government’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative, which aims to set up 5,000 CBG plants across the nation. By turning agricultural waste into energy, this venture will not only contribute to India’s renewable energy targets but also provide rural employment opportunities, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.