The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved new guidelines for the injection of compressed biogas (CBG) into Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, paving the way for wider integration of green gas into India’s energy infrastructure.
The guidelines provide a standardised framework for the safe and efficient injection of CBG into authorised natural gas networks and are expected to strengthen the country’s bioenergy sector by improving market access and infrastructure development, DD News reported.
According to PNGRB, the move addresses a major gap in the CBG ecosystem by creating clear operational and technical standards for producers, city gas distribution companies, pipeline operators, technology providers and investors.
The board said the framework is expected to improve project viability, support financing and accelerate expansion of CBG production across the country. It added that the guidelines would also support the government’s broader goal of increasing the role of biogas in India’s transition towards cleaner energy.
The guidelines were prepared after consultations with stakeholders from the CBG industry, CGD entities and natural gas pipeline operators. A technical committee was formed to examine operational, technical and safety aspects related to CBG injection, followed by public consultations and discussions in an open house meeting.
PNGRB said suggestions received during the consultation process were incorporated into the final framework, including provisions related to gas quality analysers, calibration systems, safety measures, pipeline connectivity under the DPI Scheme and integrity management systems.
The approved guidelines cover design and technical standards, CBG quality specifications, installation procedures for injection facilities, operational and maintenance practices, and safety systems including odorization and control mechanisms.
The framework also contains schematic drawings of standard CBG injection arrangements to help ensure uniform implementation across natural gas and city gas distribution networks.
According to PNGRB, integrating compressed biogas into the natural gas grid will help increase the availability of domestically produced green fuel, reduce dependence on imported liquefied natural gas and strengthen India’s energy security.
The board said the initiative would also support climate goals by encouraging greater use of agricultural residue, cattle dung, municipal solid waste and other organic materials for energy production.
In addition to environmental benefits, the expansion of CBG infrastructure is expected to generate rural employment, support waste-to-energy projects, promote a circular economy and provide additional income opportunities for farmers.
