A comprehensive assessment of state-wise biogas potential and its utilization in India

Conventional sources of energy like fossil fuels are available in limited quantities and harm environment. So, for sustainable growth, renewable energy is the only way forward. Biomass-based energy has untapped potential and is one of the most economical and best-proven options among the various alternative energy sources available. To fully utilize the biomass, the estimation of the possible potential is much needed. A state-wise biomass database is valuable for localized bioenergy policy. However, in India, a state-level biomass resource database is inadequate. This paper assessed the state-wise potential of biogas from various of sources including crop residues, livestock and poultry wastes, municipal solid wastes, and wastewater (sewage and industrial). The overall estimated biogas potential from organic waste in India is 74.795 billion m(3)/year. Also, the state-wise current generation capacity of digesters installed under various schemes is assessed in this paper. Currently, digesters with a generation capacity of 3.635 billion m(3)/year are achieved in India. The results show that there is a massive gap between the potential and its utilization. Among all the states, Uttar Pradesh (14.73 billion m(3)/year) has the highest biogas potential, and Maharashtra (671.40 million m(3)/year) has the highest installed achievement. The statistics generated in this research is expected to be beneficial for decentralized biogas planning and management in the state.