HPCL to Invest Rs 20 Billion in 24 Biogas Plants

24 Jun 2025 CW Team

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a state-owned fuel retailer, plans to invest approximately Rs 20 billion (about USD 231 million) over the next two to three years to establish 24 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, according to a senior company official.

The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and meet its 2070 net-zero target. As one of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, India is increasingly exploring the use of organic waste to generate cleaner fuel alternatives.

The project is being implemented by HPCL Renewable and Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of HPCL. The company has already commissioned two CBG plants and will set up 24 additional plants, each capable of producing 10–15 tonnes of CBG daily. The production will utilise agricultural residue, cattle dung, and sewage water, said Mohit Dhawan, Chief Executive of the subsidiary.

In a policy push towards cleaner fuels, India has mandated that since April, one per cent of compressed biogas be blended with fuel used for transport and cooking. This blending requirement will rise to five per cent by 2028–2029, stated Vikas Singh, a Director in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Currently, India consumes around 28 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) of gas for vehicular and cooking use. This demand is projected to grow to 44 MMSCMD by 2028–2029. By that time, the country is expected to have 480 CBG plants in operation, of which 195 will be established by public sector oil and gas companies.

At present, India imports nearly half of its gas requirements in the form of costly liquefied natural gas (LNG). The government aims to increase the share of natural gas in the national energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030, up from the current six per cent, by promoting indigenous and sustainable alternatives like biogas.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..