India's Green Energy Boost: Converting Agri-Waste to Green Hydrogen
Key Ideas
  • Government to invest Rs 857 crore in the National Bioenergy Programme and National Green Hydrogen mission to convert agri-waste to biomass and green hydrogen.
  • MNRE Secretary highlighted India's agricultural prowess and resources, emphasizing the need to manage agri-waste through a circular economy.
  • Initiatives like a biogas application portal and R&D projects under the National Green Hydrogen mission aim to streamline processes and promote green energy.
  • Challenges in the waste-to-biomass sector include logistics, financing gaps, and regulatory coordination, which government and industry aim to address through collaborative efforts.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), announced that the Indian government will inject Rs 857 crore into projects converting agri-waste to energy biomass and biogas. This funding boost will support initiatives like the National Bioenergy Programme and the National Green Hydrogen mission. Sarangi praised India's agricultural achievements and highlighted the country's potential to utilize agri-waste efficiently through a circular economy, specifically mentioning the conversion of waste into green hydrogen and ethanol. The MNRE has been proactive in promoting waste-to-energy projects, with the National Bioenergy Programme receiving a total budget of Rs 1715 crore. The first phase of the programme allocated Rs 858 crore for initiatives like briquetting and filtration plants. As Phase II is underway, an additional Rs 857 crore will be allotted to expedite biomass ecosystem development. To simplify project applications, the government introduced a biogas application portal for companies seeking MNRE support. Despite the sector's nascent stage, the MNRE Secretary acknowledged the potential of waste-to-biomass projects and the importance of addressing barriers like logistics, financing, and regulatory issues. Collaborative efforts between the government and industry stakeholders are crucial for overcoming these challenges and fostering a robust green energy sector in India.
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