Yuva Bio Energy Sets Up 12 MT/Day Compressed Biogas Plant Near Bundki Sugar Mill In Bijnor, UP
Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh is preparing to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) from press mud, a waste by-product of sugar mills, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported fuels. Yuva Bio Energy Private Limited is setting up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant near Bundki Sugar Mill with a daily processing capacity of 12 metric tonnes. The company plans to commence CNG production from October 31.
Yuva Bio Energy has signed agreements with Dwarikesh Group's Bundki and Afzalgarh sugar mills to source press mud as feedstock for the plant. Under the process, press mud is treated to produce methane, which is then compressed at high pressure to make CNG for vehicles; the gas can also be processed at lower pressure for use as piped natural gas (PNG) for domestic use. The plant will initially focus on CNG production.
The district currently requires around 36 metric tonnes of CNG per day, and local production capacity could eventually reach 50 metric tonnes, with surplus gas potentially supplied to neighbouring districts. The Uttar Pradesh government has assigned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) responsibility for CNG and PNG production and distribution in the district.
Other sugar mills in Bijnor are preparing similar projects: Sihora and Bilai sugar mills have submitted proposals for CBG plants, while ChangiPur Sugar Mill is considering installing a plant this year. Chandpur and Bijnor sugar mills plan to send their press mud to an associated processing unit in Dhanaura.
The initiative is part of a broader push by India to reduce reliance on imported petrol, diesel and cooking gas, with sugarcane waste being explored as a domestic fuel source alongside government promotion of electric vehicles and solar power.