German and Indian Biogas Associations Announce Project Development Partnership

The German Biogas Association (Fachverband Biogas e.V.) and the Indian Biogas Association have announced a three-year project to foster development of the biogas industry in India. The initial project, with an option for an additional three years, is funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and operated by sequa GmbH.

"The potential for biogas energy production in the Indian subcontinent is enormous," says Dr. Claudius da Costa Gomez, chief executive officer of Fachverband Biogas e.V. According to research by the Indian Ministry of Renewable Energies, India can generate up to 5,000 megawatts (MW) from biogas solely through the consistent use of the biogenic residual materials accumulated in the country’s sugar mills. Additionally, up to 650 million tons of biomass materials available can provide an additional 18,000 megawatts of electric power. If realized, India could supply 20 percent of its annual electricity needs with nearly 700 TWh of biogas plants.

The objective of the partnership is to improve the framework for the development of the biogas industry in India and build a member-based association structure so the IBA can be independently financed. IBA will work to communicate the interests of its members during the construction and operation of biogas plants, and work closely with the Indian Government, relevant stakeholders and the general public.

"Fachverband Biogas was started nearly 25 years ago. We are pleased that we can share our experience with the IBA,” da Costa Gomez says. “We want the IBA to be financed by member contributions so it can develop the biogas industry and provide the country the climate, energy and environmental benefits that biogas can offer.”

Close collaboration with the Indian biogas market will strengthen existing activities for German biogas companies, as well as provide new and expanded business opportunities. "Made in Germany" is highly regarded in the biogas industry - worldwide and in India.

"IBA is pleased we can collaborate with the German Biogas Association in order to absorb its invaluable experience along with the technical know-how transfer,” says Gaurav Kedia, chief executive officer of the IBA. "Harnessing biogas from multi-feedstocks can definitely provide an ecological balance along with the environmental sustainability, which is already a proven story in Germany."