Reliance Industries has started work on its first Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Kanigiri, Andhra Pradesh. This marks the beginning of a plan to set up 500 CBG plants across the state. The project is a major push towards green energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels while also benefiting the local economy.
Reliance has committed a massive ₹65,000 Cr investment for these plants, which will convert Napier grass – grown on barren land – into bio-gas. The first plant in Kanigiri has an initial investment of ₹139 Cr and will use advanced technology to produce clean energy. Farmers growing Napier grass will earn a stable income through fixed prices and lease revenues, bringing economic security to many.
Once all 500 plants are operational, they will produce 40 lakh tonnes of bio-gas annually and generate 1.1 million metric tonnes of organic fertilizer. This will also help in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, benefiting soil health and agriculture. Additionally, the byproduct of the plants – Fermented Organic Manure – will help reclaim 15 lakh acres of barren land, making it fertile again.