Rising concerns over a possible shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amid the ongoing West Asia conflict are driving renewed focus on biogas as a sustainable and locally available energy source, The New Indian Express reported.
Experts say the current situation has highlighted the risks of heavy dependence on imported fuel, prompting policymakers to explore alternatives that can be produced within the country. Biogas, generated from organic waste such as agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste and sewage, is emerging as a strong option.
Produced through an oxygen-free process in sealed chambers, biogas can be used as a direct replacement for LPG in households. Its refined form, compressed biogas (CBG), has properties similar to compressed natural gas and can be used across transport, industrial and commercial sectors.
States like Karnataka have significant potential to scale up production. The state generates over 40 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, along with large volumes of kitchen waste, sewage and agricultural residue. This provides a steady supply of raw material for biogas generation, which can help meet energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
The shift towards biogas also offers a solution to waste management challenges, particularly in urban centres such as Bengaluru, where landfill capacity is under pressure. Converting waste into energy could reduce the burden on landfills while creating a steady source of clean fuel.
In addition to environmental benefits, the expansion of biogas projects is expected to generate employment in waste collection, plant operations and processing, while improving access to clean energy in rural areas.
India currently imports around 60% of its LPG requirements, with nearly 20% passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a region affected by the ongoing conflict. Disruptions have forced the country to look for alternative suppliers such as the United States, Argentina and Australia, often at higher costs.
Against this backdrop, biogas is increasingly being seen as a long-term solution to improve energy security and reduce import dependence. Karnataka is also in the process of framing a dedicated biogas policy, with experts stressing the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, local communities and technical institutions to expand adoption.
A past study by the Indian Institute of Science had also underlined that large-scale adoption of bioenergy would require strong policy support, financial backing and close collaboration between stakeholders.
With both energy security and waste management emerging as key concerns, biogas is now being viewed as a practical solution that addresses multiple challenges at once.
