PM Modi Inaugurates GAIL’s First CBG Plant in Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated GAIL (India) Limited’s Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, via virtual mode during a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024. This facility, with a feedstock processing capacity of 150 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) and a production capacity of 5 Tonnes Per Day (TPD), represents an investment of ₹26 crore and aims to convert the organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into renewable energy.

Environmental Impact

The CBG plant is expected to significantly contribute to environmental and Sustainable Development goals, with an estimated annual reduction of approximately 4,950 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. Additionally, it will replace around 2,171,052 Standard Cubic Meters (SCM) of natural gas per year, leading to foreign exchange savings of about USD 840,093. This initiative aligns with the government’s focus on enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on imports.

Economic Benefits

In terms of local economic impact, the project will create 35 direct jobs and 105 indirect jobs, fostering community development. Key dignitaries, including Minister of State Defence Shri Sanjay Seth and GAIL executives, attended a site-level event in Ranchi, highlighting the government’s commitment to cleaner initiatives.

Commitment to Sustainability

The inauguration of the CBG plant underscores GAIL’s dedication to addressing waste management challenges and promoting renewable energy use in the region. This initiative reflects a significant advancement in the ongoing journey towards a cleaner environment and sustainable development, echoing the government’s long-term vision for a greener India.

Here’s the table with key points relevant for exams:

Key Points	Details
Why in News	PM Modi inaugurates GAIL’s first Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plant in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024.
Plant Location	Ranchi, Jharkhand
Plant Capacity	– Feedstock processing: 150 TPD – Production capacity: 5 TPD
Investment	₹26 crore
Environmental Impact	– Reduction of ~4,950 tonnes CO2 equivalent emissions annually – Replacement of 2,171,052 SCM of natural gas per year
Foreign Exchange Savings	About USD 840,093
Job Creation	– 35 direct jobs – 105 indirect jobs
Key Dignitaries	Minister of State Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, GAIL executives
Focus Area	Renewable energy, waste management, environmental sustainability
Inauguration Date	Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024
Government’s Long-Term Vision	Cleaner environment, sustainable development, energy security