Biogas plant manufacturer CEID aims to help India increase CBG production to over 350 tonnes daily

CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt Ltd is an approved technology provider from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, established with the principal aim of tapping and developing the renewable energy sources market and making the world a better place to live in with less pollution.

CEID designed the biogas plants based on Multi-Feed and Single Feed Technology. Some of the major raw materials are cow dung, poultry litter, fruit-vegetable waste, cooked food waste, food processing industries' waste, pressmud (sugar mills waste), spent-wash , chicory waste, rice straw, municipal solid waste (MSW) etc. CEID is also an approved vendor of Indian Oil Corporation Limited for PSA- based biogas purification system and others

"We stepped into the field as it is something out of the box and an environment-friendly initiative," Prince Gandhi, CEO of Abohar (Punjab)-based CEID, told Bizz Buzz in an exclusive interview. He said under the Sustainable alternative towards affordable transportation (Satat) scheme, the government is looking at adding 5,000 CBG plants and a production capacity of 15 million tonnes. CEID is closely working on mostly all government projects and currently holds over 90 per cent of the biogas bottling market in India

What are the current market demand for Compressed Biogas (CBG) in India and its potential for growth in the transportation, industrial, and domestic sectors?

The current market demand for CBG in India is on an upward slope, reflecting a significant potential for growth across transportation, industrial, and domestic sectors. The Indian biogas market, valued at $1.47 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $2.25 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.3 per cent during the forecast period. Despite the staggering impact of Covid-19, the sector's growth is closely tied to increasing environmental awareness and the drive for renewable energy sources. As more consumers and industries prioritize sustainability, the demand for CBG is expected to rise, offering substantial opportunities for expansion and development in the CBG market.

What are the key challenges faced by CBG plant manufacturers and operators, such as feedstock availability, technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and financial viability?

While feedstock is available in abundance its pricing is unregulated and unorganized, creating uncertainty. For instance, press mud which is an industrial waste, around years ago sugar mills offered money to move out of place press mud which in today’s scenario costs. In terms of technology, the industry suffers from issues due to newcomers conducting R&D without market approval, leading to mishaps. Regulatory hurdles are minimal at the central level, but States lack specific policies, creating inconsistencies. Financially, while central policies exist, there is a lack of clarity in funding and incentives, complicating financial planning and viability. These challenges hinder the efficient development and operation of CBG plants, impacting their overall growth and sustainability.

Can you provide an overview of CEID Consultants and Engineering Private Limited and its journey since its establishment?

Since our establishment in 2000, we have been a pioneer in solid and bio-degradable waste management. We specialize in the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of biogas generation, purification and bottling, and biogas-to-power generation projects. Headquartered in Abohar, Punjab, and powered by a team of over 600 professionals, we have steadily climbed to become a formidable entity in sustainable engineering solutions. Our clear vision to revolutionize waste management in India has driven us to deliver innovative and efficient projects, making significant strides in the industry and contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Can you provide an overview of the current status of your solid waste management projects in Tamil Nadu?

Currently we are actively engaged in solid waste management projects in Tamil Nadu, focusing primarily on a significant tender in Chennai. We have been awarded the responsibility to manage 848 tonnes of solid municipal waste. At present, our facilities are processing 140 tonnes of waste daily. The remaining capacity is being addressed through ongoing construction projects aimed at expanding our processing capabilities. We are on track with our development plans, and within a year, we anticipate scaling up to process the full 848 tonnes of municipal waste. Additionally, our efforts are geared towards enhancing waste management efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to cleaner urban environments in Chennai.

What challenges are currently there in solid waste management projects, particularly in Tamil Nadu?

I firmly believe that there are no particular state-wise challenges, however, the primary challenge is the overall segregation of the waste. India's current technology infrastructure is not fully equipped for efficient waste segregation. Municipal solid waste consists of approximately 50 per cent food or wet waste, which is suitable for CBG plants, and 50 per cent dry waste, including wood, iron, glass, tin, and rubber. Effective utilization of the 50 per cent wet waste for biogas production requires heavy machinery, which is not yet widely available in India. Therefore, addressing these technological and infrastructural gaps is essential for optimizing waste management and enhancing the efficiency of CBG plants in the region.

What are the market opportunities and challenges for CBG in India, including demand dynamics, pricing mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure requirements for distribution and utilization?

The rising demand for clean energy, favorable government policies, and increasing environmental awareness has made market opportunities for CBG in India significant. With potential uses in transportation, industrial applications, and as a replacement for traditional fuels, the demand dynamics are strong. However, challenges remain, regulatory frameworks are complex and require further simplification to encourage investment. Infrastructure for distribution and utilization, such as pipelines and fueling stations, is underdeveloped and needs substantial investment. Additionally, ensuring consistent feedstock supply for biogas production is critical.

What partnerships does CEID have in place for setting up CBG plants, and how does the company contribute to the biogas bottling market in India?

Currently we are producing 101 tonnes of CBG across the country. Additionally, we have strategic partnerships to expand our CBG plant network, including a collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) under the SATAT initiative. During India Energy Week 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) to set up 13 CBG plants. We are working with Maharashtra Gas Limited (MGL), Petronet LNG and IOCL, BPCL & GAIL. Our partnerships extend to Punjab sugar mills, where we are developing clusters of sugar plants for biogas production. Looking ahead, we aim to significantly increase our contribution to over 350 tonnes per day in the next financial year, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable energy solutions in India.

How do you collaborate with stakeholders to enhance solid waste management practices and outcomes?

We actively collaborate with various municipal corporations to enhance solid waste management practices and outcomes. Our partnerships with the Delhi Municipal Corporation, Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Chennai Municipal Corporation, and Kochi and Bangalore Municipal Corporations are central to our efforts. Together we implemented innovative solutions for efficient waste management, including the development of CBG plants equipped with cutting-edge technology for optimal biogas generation. By integrating advanced technologies and working closely with municipal stakeholders, we aim to improve the overall efficiency of solid waste management systems, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable energy solutions. Our concerted efforts with these municipalities are crucial in driving forward sustainable practices and achieving better waste management outcomes across India.

Can you elaborate on the role of your in-house R&D and Engineering team in driving innovation and setting industry benchmarks for CBG projects?

Our in-house R&D and Engineering team plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and setting industry benchmarks for CBG projects. We have conducted extensive research and development on over 25 different feedstocks and even now are continuously exploring new and abundant feedstocks available across India. Our engineering team is dedicated to integrating the latest technologies and best practices into our projects, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Their expertise is critical in designing, constructing, and commissioning state-of-the-art CBG plants.

Could you tell us about CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt Ltd's plans for future expansion, innovation, and collaboration in the renewable energy sector, both within India and internationally?

As pioneers, we have established a plant in Nepal and are set to build new facilities in Australia, Canada, the UK, Norway, and London. Our future plans focus on using cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in energy production. By encouraging collaborations with international municipalities and energy organizations, we aim to develop innovative solutions that address global energy challenges. Our dedication is not only limited to expanding our geographical presence but also driving advancements in renewable energy to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future worldwide.