BPCL Urges Coordinated Action to Accelerate Compressed Biogas Projects in Maharashtra

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has emphasized the need for synchronized efforts among the central government, the Maharashtra government, industry stakeholders, and financial institutions to drive the growth of compressed biogas (CBG) projects across the state. The primary focus of these initiatives is the conversion of agricultural residues, cattle dung, and municipal waste into clean energy.

The company recently hosted a workshop titled 'Waste to Wealth – Scaling GOBARdhan' in Mumbai, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the government of Maharashtra. The event was designed to address key industry hurdles, including policy alignment, financing mechanisms, feedstock availability, and foundational infrastructure requirements needed to expand the CBG ecosystem.

Addressing the participants, BPCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Khanna stated that compressed biogas presents an integrated opportunity to transform organic waste into renewable power. Khanna noted that the sector aids in scientific waste management, strengthens the circular economy, supports sustainable agriculture, and generates employment in rural areas. He also highlighted the utility of organic manure generated by CBG plants in enhancing soil fertility, thereby linking clean energy production directly to agricultural sustainability.

During the workshop, Vikas Singh, Director (GP) at MoPNG, outlined the central government's vision for scaling the GOBARdhan initiative. Singh reiterated the importance of coordination among government bodies, urban local bodies, farmers, industry participants, and financial institutions. He specifically urged the Maharashtra government to align its state policies with the national initiative, establish a dedicated land bank, and carry out detailed assessments of feedstock availability to simplify project development.

Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal also spoke at the event, underscoring the potential of municipal solid waste and agricultural residues for clean energy generation and waste management. Discussions throughout the workshop covered the GOBARdhan scheme, the Model State CBG Policy, SASCI 2026-27, and specific implementation requirements under Maharashtra's state CBG policy.

Additionally, a dedicated session conducted by BPCL's research and development team focused on enriched fermented organic manure (EFOM) and its potential benefits for soil health and sustainable farming. Stakeholders also addressed core operational challenges, such as securing assured offtakes, maintaining stable pricing, streamlining regulatory approvals, arranging financing, and building supporting infrastructure.

BPCL reaffirmed its dual role as a producer, offtaker, and facilitator within the CBG sector, stressing that ongoing collaboration between government agencies, farming communities, cooperatives, and industry players is essential to converting broad policy objectives into operational energy projects.

"The push by BPCL to align central policies, state infrastructure, and financial backing for compressed biogas projects highlights the growing importance of waste-to-wealth models in India's energy landscape. For businesses and entrepreneurs entering the green energy and agricultural waste sectors, creating reliable supply chains, securing assured offtakes, and streamlining regulatory approvals will be critical operational steps to achieve long-term viability and scale." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes