Que: Can you share the journey of CEID Consultants and Engineering Pvt. Ltd.?

Ans: We have been pivotal in shaping modern Bio CNG projects worldwide and were the first one to introduce the concept of storing CBG in portable, pressurized cylinders. With our strong presence spanning 15 states across India, we have partnered with MoPNG, IGL and IOCL. Specialising in the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, testing and commissioning of biogas generation purification and bottling, and biogas-to-power generation projects, our expertise is comprehensive and unparalleled. Over the years, we have steadily climbed to become a formidable entity in sustainable engineering solutions. In addition to this, today, we are one of the only technology providers in India who have successfully commissioned more than 30 BioCNG projects.

Que: What inspired you to focus on compressed biogas (CBG) and its potential in India?

Ans: Recognizing the urgent global need to transition towards renewable energy resources, we understood the immense potential of CBG as a sustainable solution. As one of the first EPC to establish a CBG plant in India with a 600 m³ capacity in 2011, we recognized an opportunity to tackle the dual challenges of waste management and energy scarcity in the country.

By harnessing organic waste to produce CBG, we are currently generating 101 tons of CBG across all our projects. Our goal for the next fiscal year is to triple this production capacity. Our commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions propels us to lead the way in the CBG sector, ensuring a greener future for India.

Que: Can you explain the process of biogas generation from press mud and its environmental benefits?

Ans: The process of biogas generation from press mud begins with feeding press mud into a feed tank. A mixer in the feed tank creates a uniform slurry, which is then pumped into digesters through an underground pipeline. In the digesters, enabled with CSTR technology the press mud ferments anaerobically for 30-35 days at a temperature of 35-40˚C, yielding maximum biogas.

The disposal of press mud is a solid waste by-product of sugar mills, necessitates extensive land allocation for landfills or disposal sites, resulting in habitat loss, deforestation, and ecosystem disruption, which adversely affect biodiversity and wildlife populations. However, utilizing press mud for biogas production helps mitigate methane emissions that would otherwise be released from landfills or manure lagoons, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By transforming waste into a valuable energy source, this practice promotes a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Que: How does CEID's technology convert paddy straw into Bio CNG, and what are the environmental and economic benefits of this process?

Ans: Recently, we built Asia's largest biogas plant in Gorakhpur, dedicated to treating paddy straw and converting it into Bio-CNG, marking a significant step forward in sustainable energy generation. We employ advanced technology to convert paddy straw into Bio CNG through a multi-step process. Initially, paddy straw is collected and pre-treated to break down the complex cellulose structures. The pre-treated straw is then fed into anaerobic digesters where, under controlled conditions, microorganisms break it down anaerobically to produce biogas. This biogas is subsequently purified to remove impurities such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, resulting in high-quality Bio CNG.

The environmental benefits of this process are significant. By utilizing paddy straw, we reduce the practice of open-field burning, which contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Converting agricultural waste into Bio CNG also helps mitigate methane emissions from decomposing straws in landfills. Economically, this process provides farmers with an additional revenue stream from selling paddy straw, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports energy independence. Furthermore, the by-products of the process, such as nutrient-rich digestate, can be used as organic fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Que: How do you perceive the current state of the CBG market in India, and what are its growth prospects?

Ans: The current state of the Compressed Biogas (CBG) market in India shows a promising upward slope. With the market valued at USD 1.47 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $2.25 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%, there is a clear trend towards increased adoption of CBG. As sustainability becomes a priority for more consumers and industries, the demand for CBG is expected to rise significantly. This presents substantial opportunities for expansion and development within the CBG market. We are well-positioned to capitalize on these growth prospects by using our expertise and innovative solutions to meet the burgeoning demand and contribute to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape in India.

Despite the considerable market demand, the current situation reveals that many biogas plants in India are not operating at full capacity. A common issue is the lack of pipeline connections, requiring CBG entities to exert significant effort in establishing these connections for uninterrupted supply. As a result, the off-take of CBG is primarily routed through cascades to retail outlets, such as CNG pumps and stations, rather than directly through pipelines. This has created a scenario where CBG sales at retail outlets are affecting the plant's off-take capacity.

Que: How do you ensure a consistent and reliable supply of feedstock for your CBG plants?

Ans: The diverse nature of various stocks necessitates different storage methods. However, due to the absence of strict guidelines for feedstock purchasing and pricing and the lack of intermediaries or established protocols, the industry faces challenges with uneven distribution.

Although we do not engage directly in feed stocking, we assist our clients by facilitating contracts with some farmers for the purchase of agricultural waste. This helps mitigate some of the issues related to feedstock acquisition, ensuring a more reliable and consistent supply for our clients.

Que: How does CEID ensure the efficiency and reliability of its gas generation and purification systems?

Ans: We ensure the efficiency and reliability of our gas generation and purification systems through our specialized expertise in commissioning biogas projects and implementing innovative solutions to converting waste to energy. We have integrated our CBG solution with different kinds of industries like glass, steel, and insulators. Our CBG plants are equipped with cutting-edge technology which is designed for optimal biogas generation. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and advanced engineering practices, we maximize the output and quality of biogas. Rigorous testing and quality control measures are integral to our processes, ensuring that each system operates at peak efficiency.

Our primary focus is on maximizing gas generation while minimizing raw material usage and operational expenses. Through our meticulously designed purification system, we consistently achieve a purity level of more than 97%, ensuring that our CBG meets stringent quality standards.

Also, our team of skilled professionals continually monitors and fine-tunes the systems, addressing any issues promptly to maintain consistent performance. This comprehensive approach guarantees that our biogas generation and purification systems are both efficient and reliable, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and effective waste management.