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India Announces Phased Biogas Blending with Natural Gas to Cut Imports and Emissions by 2028

India announces phased introduction of biogas blending
The Indian government has announced a plan to mandate blending of compressed biogas with natural gas in the country. This is aimed at boosting domestic gas demand and cutting reliance on imports to meet India’s energy needs.
The biogas blending initiative is part of a phased introduction that will start at 1% from April 2025, to be used in automobiles and households. This proportion will then be increased to around 5% by 2028.
Along with biogas blending, India also plans to introduce blending of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) starting at 1% in aircraft turbine fuel by 2027. This would rise to 2% by 2028, and will initially apply to international flights.
The biogas and SAF blending moves are aimed at helping India achieve its net zero emission targets by 2070.
Details of Biogas Blending Plan
The biogas blending initiative will start at 1% from April 2025, with the blended gas to be used in **automobiles and households.
The initial 1% biogas blending with natural gas will then be increased to around 5% by the year 2028.
The key objectives behind this phased blending plan are to boost domestic gas demand, reduce imports and cut costs.
Specifically, through the biogas blending initiative India aims to:
- Boost domestic demand: By mandating blending, India plans to promote domestic production and use of biogas to supplement its energy needs.
- Reduce imports: With enhanced domestic gas production via biogas blending, India aims to cut reliance on imported natural gas. Currently, India imports nearly half of its total gas consumption.
- Cut costs: Reduced imports due to biogas blending would help India lower its import bills for natural gas.
Biogas vs Natural Gas
Biogas is formed from the breakdown of organic waste like food scraps and animal waste in an oxygen-free environment. It is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source.
On the other hand, natural gas is a fossil fuel formed from decomposition of ancient organic matter under the earth over millions of years. It is a non-renewable energy source.
Some key differences between biogas and natural gas:
- Source: Biogas comes from renewable organic waste while natural gas is from finite fossil fuel reserves.
- Renewability: Biogas is renewable as it can be produced continuously from organic waste. Natural gas is non-renewable.
- Environmental impact: Biogas is environmentally friendly but natural gas contributes to climate change and pollution as a fossil fuel.
In short, biogas is a sustainable alternative to supplement natural gas through renewable means while reducing environmental impact. Blending biogas with natural gas can make India’s energy mix greener.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Blending
The Indian government also plans to introduce blending of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) starting at 1% in aircraft turbine fuel by 2027, which would then rise to 2% by 2028. This SAF blending plan would be initially applicable only to international flights flying out of India.
Final Thoughts
The moves to implement biogas blending with natural gas, as well as the introduction of SAF blending in aviation fuel are aimed at helping India meet its net zero emissions target by 2070.
By supplementing India’s energy mix with renewable fuels like biogas and sustainable aviation fuel, the government aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation and cooking fuel sectors, which are currently dominated by fossil fuels like natural gas and conventional jet fuels.
Therefore, these blending initiatives represent important steps in India’s plan to transition towards sustainable energy and achieve its climate change commitments.
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