COMPRESSED BIOGAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, India has solidified its prominent role in the global sugar economy by becoming the leading sugar producer since the 2021-22 season, surpassing Brazil.

• It stands as the second-largest sugar exporter globally.

Key Points

• Pressmud, a residual byproduct in the sugar industry often known as filter cake or press cake, has been acknowledged as a valuable resource for green energy production.
• The byproduct can help Indian sugar mills generate extra revenue by utilising it as a feedstock for biogas production through anaerobic digestion and subsequent purification to create compressed biogas (CBG).
• Primary Sugarcane-Growing States: Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, contribute to approximately 65 per cent of the total sugarcane cultivation area.
• In India's sugar industry, sugarcane is a heavy, low-value, weight-losing, and perishable raw material.

Compressed Bio Gas (CBG)

• About: CBG is a combination of hydrocarbon gases and vapors, predominantly methane in gaseous form.
• Originate: It is derived from the decomposition of animal and plant waste, undergoes purification, and is then compressed for use in automotive fuel and industrial applications.
• Biogas, once purified by removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, can be compressed similar to the process used for natural gas to produce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
• The compressed form of biogas, known as CBG, is suitable for powering motor vehicles.