- Projects to process at least 4.20 lakh ton paddy straw annually to produce 79 ton CBG daily
- New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister reviews status of ongoing projects
Aman Arora: With an aim to make Punjab a frontrunner state in clean and green energy production in the country, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that seven more Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects are expected to be operationalised by end of this year. On commissioning, these projects will produce 79 Ton CBG per day by consuming at least 4.20 lakh ton paddy straw annually.
Mr. Aman Arora, while chairing a meeting to review ongoing projects being executed by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in the state, here at his office, said that Punjab Government has allotted 38 CBG projects of total capacity 469.50 TPD, wherein agriculture residue is used as feedstock. These projects will supplement the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s efforts to reduce the stubble burning cases to zero, besides creating an extra source of income for farmers and generating job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workforce.
He further added that there is an ample scope for CBG projects as around 20 million ton paddy straw is produced every year in the state, out of which about 10 million Ton is disposed of scientifically. Secretary New and Renewable Energy Sources Mr. Ravi Bhagat apprised Mr. Aman Arora that 32 more projects of total capacity 462 Ton CBG per day are in the process of allocation. These projects will consume around 14.04 lakh ton paddy straw annually.
Mr. Aman Arora also reviewed the status of the solar pump scheme under which 20,000 new solar pumps to be provided for agriculture purposes in the state. Notably, these solar pumps will be allotted to those farmers, who have a sprinkler and drip irrigation system in dark zones to save precious groundwater. Farmers will get a 60 percent subsidy for the solar pumps.
He also asked the Director PEDA Mr. MP Singh to expedite the execution of ongoing green energy projects in the state.