The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) organised an all-India seminar on Bio-CNG and its role in the circular economy in Kolhapur on January 19, bringing together about 150 participants from different parts of the country. The strong turnout reflected growing interest in clean fuel options and the potential role of the sugar industry in supporting sustainable energy development.
The event was attended by several senior industry representatives, including Prakash Awade, Director of Kallappanna Awade Jawahar SSSK Ltd; Sanjay Awasthi, President of STAI; Sambhaji Kadu Patil, Director General of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute; M.G. Joshi, Managing Director of Kallappanna Awade Jawahar SSSK Ltd; and Sohan Shirgaokar, President of DSTA, among others.
Speaking at the seminar, STAI President Sanjay Awasthi said India has vast potential to produce Bio-CNG because of the large availability of agricultural waste, food waste, bagasse and other carbon-rich materials. Referring to the seminar theme, he said better use of renewable sources such as solar, wind and Bio-CNG could help reduce the country’s reliance on conventional fuels, although sustained efforts over time would be needed to achieve this goal.
Awasthi said the sugar industry is well placed to lead Bio-CNG production by using press mud and other by-products. He pointed out that several large companies are planning Bio-CNG plants and cited examples from European countries such as Switzerland, where such facilities are widely spread. He added that even countries with severe winters are increasingly depending on Bio-CNG for local energy needs. He said sugar factories should look at setting up Bio-CNG units to generate extra income and support national energy security.
M.G. Joshi said the sugar industry has a clear advantage in compressed biogas production due to the ready availability of feedstock such as bagasse, press mud and spent wash. He added that there are strong opportunities in this area and noted that government support is encouraging such initiatives.
Sambhaji Kadu Patil said the sugar sector needs to diversify and adopt a bio-refinery approach to address ongoing challenges. He noted that mills operate under government controls on both raw material and product prices and face shorter crushing seasons despite higher daily capacities. He said a bio-circular economy model offers a sustainable solution by allowing mills to convert by-products like press mud, spent wash and bagasse into CBG, organic manure and other value-added products without affecting sugar output. He added that this approach would improve sustainability, support energy self-reliance, protect the environment and benefit farmers.
Prakash Awade highlighted the importance of storage facilities in Bio-CNG projects and urged the industry to focus on developing proper storage systems. He said long-term planning would be essential to ensure the viability of such projects.
The seminar also featured technical presentations by experts from industry, academic institutions and technology providers, offering participants a detailed view of the Bio-CNG sector and its future direction.
