Mohali MC Approves 300 TPD Compressed Biogas Plant at Samgauli, Punjab

The Mohali Municipal Corporation House has approved a proposal to set up a 300 tonne per day (TPD) municipal solid waste based compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Samgauli village in Dera Bassi, Punjab, in partnership with HPCL Renewable & Green Energy Ltd (HPRGE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

The proposed facility will process segregated wet waste generated by nine urban local bodies, including Mohali, Zirakpur, Kharar, Nayagaon, Dera Bassi, Kurali, Lalru, Banur and Gharuan. Around 300 TPD of wet waste, along with 15 to 20 tonnes of cattle dung a day, is proposed to be supplied to the plant. The facility will convert the organic waste into compressed biogas and fermented organic manure.

The municipal corporation has around 39 acres of land at Samgauli, of which 15 to 20 acres may be allotted for the project. The land is proposed to be provided to HPRGE for 30 years, either free of cost or at a nominal lease rate, subject to the applicable terms, feasibility and approvals.

Under the proposed arrangement, HPRGE will undertake the feasibility study, soil investigation and project planning and will bear the capital expenditure required for establishing the plant. The company will also be responsible for constructing the plant and associated buildings, installing machinery and utilities, and undertaking its operation and maintenance.

The municipal corporation and participating urban local bodies are expected to support the project by ensuring a regular supply of segregated wet waste. Other requirements include road access for waste transportation and construction vehicles, assistance in obtaining statutory clearances and facilitating electricity, water and other utilities.

Following the House approval, the project will move through land demarcation, feasibility assessment and other formalities. The proposed arrangement will subsequently involve a memorandum of understanding, a wet waste supply or concession agreement and a long term land lease agreement between the municipal corporation and HPRGE.

The project is aimed at providing a regional solution for the processing of wet municipal waste while producing compressed biogas and organic manure from biodegradable waste. The proposal follows HPRGE's earlier submission to the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company in August 2024 for an MSW based CBG facility.