Biogas Plant Setup

It is high time we shift to renewable and green energy sources. The extensive and aggressive consumption of our limited natural resources will only result in climate change where there will be a lack of diversity, extinction of species, and rise in global warming. If we don’t take action now then the planet may face uninhabitable conditions in a few decades.

Biogas is green and renewable energy that we may consider. Biogas plants produce renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. This biological process breaks down organic matter without oxygen, resulting in biogas made up of methane, carbon dioxide, and other gasses. The main component of a biogas plant is the anaerobic digester, where microorganisms break down organic material and produce biogas.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a gaseous fuel that can be utilised like any other fuel. It mostly contains methane gas which is obtained through the fermentation of organic matter. Most commonly agricultural and cattle waste is utilised in this process to generate biogas. When cow dung is used in the process to make biogas, it is called gobar gas. Gobar gas is a term that originated in India because gobar is the Hindi word for cow dung.

This Biogas is purified further to remove impurities like hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and water vapour. After the successful purification, it is compressed and transformed into Compressed Biogas (CBG). This CBG has properties like Compressed Natural Gas and hence can be utilised as automotive fuel.

We already know that Biogas is a renewable source of energy and has multiple benefits if we utilise it in our daily use. Let us have a look at the benefits of the Biomass recycling business-

• Renewable Energy Generation: To define, Anaerobic digestion of organic waste or biomass yields biogas. You can produce clean, sustainable energy for a variety of uses, such as the production of power and automobile fuel by encouraging you to set up a biogas plant. No wonder, Biogas contributes to a greener and more sustainable energy mix by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability: When it comes to managing organic waste, biogas plants offer an alternative to landfilling or the discharge of greenhouse gases. You may generate energy as well as lessen garbage generation and environmental damage by turning organic waste into biogas. Production of biogas aids in the efficient and long-term management of organic wastes including food scraps, animal manure, and agricultural residues.
• Cost Savings and Revenue Generation: Putting in place a biogas plant can result in considerable financial gains and cost reductions. Traditional fossil fuels can be replaced by biogas to lower the cost of heating and power. Biogas surplus is either sold to the grid or put to other profitable uses. Digestate, a byproduct of the manufacture of biogas, is also a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that can be used to replace costly commercial fertilizers and save expenses in agricultural practices.

There are multiple kinds of organic waste and based on the usage of such wastes the recycling plants can also be categorised into the following categories-

• Biogas Plant: Biogas Plant is where we use any kind of organic matter for the fermentation process and generate a gaseous fuel. This fuel is called biogas.
• Gobar Gas Plant: When specifically the cow dung is used for the fermentation process to generate the gaseous fuel of similar properties, it is called Gobar Gas Plant Setup and the gas obtained is called Gobar Gas.
• CBG Plant: When a plant is set up for the purpose of producing compressed biogas, it can be called a CBG Plant. In this plant, the biogas is generated in the same manner but additionally, it is also purified and compressed to make it ready to use as automotive fuel.

Requirements To Set Up Biogas Plant Business

The Biogas plant requires various equipment and materials that depend on various factors like the scale of the plant and the feedstock being used. Nonetheless, the following has a general list of essential equipment commonly required in biogas plants-

• Anaerobic Digester: Anaerobic digestion is one of the processes used in biogas production. Depending on the design, the digester may be built from materials like concrete or steel.
• Feedstock Handling Equipment: Equipment for preparing and loading the feedstock into the digester involves shredders, choppers, conveyors, pumps, and mixers.
• Gas Collection System: A gas collection system is required to capture the biogas produced during anaerobic digestion. It typically consists of pipes, manifolds, and valves to collect the gas from the digester and transfer it to storage or utilization systems.
• Biogas Storage: Biogas storage systems are used to store the produced gas for later use. Common storage options include gas holders, gas bags, or pressurized tanks.
• Gas Utilization Equipment: Depending on the intended use of biogas, various equipment may be necessary to install, such as gas engines, gas turbines, boilers, heaters, or biogas upgrading systems for biomethane production.
• Gas Treatment and Upgrading Equipment: If the biogas needs to be purified or upgraded to biomethane, other equipment is needed. This can include gas scrubbers or scrubbing systems to remove impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and moisture.
• Monitoring and Control Systems: Biogas plants often check monitoring and control systems to measure and regulate key parameters such as temperature, pH, gas flow, and pressure. These systems help optimize the digestion process and ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Digestate Management Equipment: Equipment adopted for digestate management, such as pumps, separators, and storage tanks, may be needed to handle and utilize the nutrient-rich digestate produced as a byproduct of anaerobic digestion.
• Safety Equipment: Safety measures lie at the heart of biogas plants. This can include gas detection systems, emergency shutdown systems, fire suppression equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Ancillary Equipment: Depending on the specific requirements of the biogas plant, extra equipment such as pumps, motors, generators, heat exchangers, and instrumentation may be required.

Biogas or CBG Plant Setup uses biomass as raw material. According to the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, various kinds of biomass are classified as solid waste and their processing needs to be done after CPCB authorization. This Solid Waste Management Authorization can be obtained by submitting an application along with the following documents-

• Site Clearance from the Local Authority - It is a letter provided by the local authority like the municipality or municipal corporation regarding the land allotment for the CBG Plant Setup.
• Environmental Clearance - A copy of environmental clearance is needed if the common municipal solid waste is used as organic matter in the recycling business.
• CTE - You also need Consent to Establishment from the State Pollution Control Board before Gobar Gas Plant Setup in India.
• CTO - CTO stands for Consent to Operate. It should be obtained from the SPCB at least thirty days prior to the start of operations on the site.
• Returns - Details regarding the expected returns from the plant need to be shared with the CPCB before getting the Solid Waste Management Authorisation.
• Reports - A report shall also be submitted regarding solid waste management which will help the Central Pollution Control Board to decide on the competency of your business and accordingly the authorisation will be granted.
• Land - Land Ownership Documents shall also be submitted to probe your possession on the site. It can be Land Record, Rent Agreement, Lease Deed, or Purchase Receipt.
• Site Selection Committee - Permission granted by the District Level Site Selection Committee should also be attached to the application.
• Annual Report - If the application is not fresh and you seek renewal then an annual report is also submitted for the solid waste management in the preceding year.
• Approval - If another party is involved Approval is issued to the operator of the solid waste processing facility (in case a private operator is operating the site).
• Process Flow Diagram - The processes used in the plant and the relevant technical details related to the plant should be shared along with the application.
• PESO Licence - This licence is provided by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The purpose of this organisation is to maintain the standards in the processes relating to the production and processing of explosive contents. In the present case, biogas is that explosive content.

The additional licenses required for the Biogas plant setup are categorized accordingly-

Financial and Economic Considerations

For your Biogas Plant Setup, you must take into consideration the financial expenses it requires. It includes building an anaerobic digester, buying equipment of use, and looking at the site. These heads together can cost a huge amount. Nonetheless, many governments offer financial incentives and subsidies to help lighten these costs.

A biogas plant's profitability talks focus on the availability of feedstock, energy prices, and market demand. The biogas generated from it can provide a source of income, where obtained or acquired byproducts of the anaerobic digestion process can also be given away for additional revenue. No wonder, Government policies and regulations can also impact the financial or economic consideration of the plant, so it's important to remain informed about feed-in tariffs, and regulatory frameworks.

Conducting a proper financial analysis and feasibility study is crucial for examining the project's Rate Of Investment, taking into account factors like expected lifespan and market dynamics. Hence, the financial and economic considerations of setting up a biogas plant discuss various points such as capital investment, revenue potential, government policies, and broader economic benefits.

Future Prospects of Bio Gas Plant in India

The Future of Biogas Plant Setup in India has quite a few prospects, out of which these four are of grave importance-

• Renewable Energy Transition: India is making huge strides in achieving its renewable energy goals. A sustainable alternative is rendered by biogas facilities, which make good use of organic waste to convert renewable energy.
• Increased Energy Demand: India's population is expanding, its cities are becoming more populated, and its economy is becoming more industrialized. By producing power and heat from sources of organic waste, biogas facilities can help to meet this rising demand. Installing biogas plants can offer a decentralized and renewable energy source as energy demand rises.
• Integration with Agriculture: The agricultural industry in India produces a sizable amount of organic waste, such as crop byproducts and animal manure. These waste streams can be used as feedstock for biogas plants, allowing them to connect with agriculture. This integration can promote the government's goal of doubling farmers' incomes, increasing the sustainability of agricultural practices, and giving farmers access to new sources of revenue.

The cost of setting up a biogas plant in India depends on its capacity and materials used. The cost can vary from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25 lakhs. A standard biogas plant should have around 50×50 square feet of space; and if it's a plug-in model, then a 15-square foot area will be sufficient. It can be installed on the terrace or at the back of the complex. Apart from the cost, the operator also needs to pay the fee for the issuance of various compulsory licences.

We, at Corpseed, have a team having years of experience and extensive knowledge relating to various horizons of Waste Management Laws and Compliances applicable in India as well as the processes involved to set up waste recycling and biogas plant business. We perform desk-based research, documentation, and coordination to provide consultation to clients and help them to obtain various licences from applicable authorities as per the prescribed rules. For all your business needs, Corpseed acts as a one-stop solution.