The Union Cabinet approved a ₹23,731 crore National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, known as GOBARdhan, on Thursday to develop India's compressed biogas (CBG) sector. The scheme aims to create a nationwide waste-to-energy ecosystem by addressing key challenges such as demand assurance, pricing frameworks, and infrastructure support, according to livemint.com.
The GOBARdhan scheme is designed to move beyond fragmented incentives by guaranteeing demand and providing a long-term pricing framework for CBG producers. It also includes measures to support infrastructure development and attract private investment into the sector. The government expects this comprehensive approach to significantly increase domestic biogas production and reduce reliance on imported gas, as reported by livemint.com.
India’s compressed biogas market has faced hurdles due to uncertain demand and lack of coordinated policy support. The ₹23,731 crore GOBARdhan initiative aims to create a ₹75,000 crore industry by integrating waste-to-energy solutions across the country. This marks a strategic shift in government policy to foster sustainable energy production and reduce fossil fuel imports, positioning India as a key player in renewable energy, per livemint.com.
The scheme’s approval by the Cabinet sets the stage for large-scale implementation of waste-to-energy projects nationwide. The government’s commitment to this ₹23,731 crore investment underscores its focus on sustainable energy infrastructure. The rollout of GOBARdhan is expected to accelerate in the current fiscal year, with detailed guidelines and funding mechanisms to be announced soon, according to livemint.com.